support of the Christian ministry which the laws now oblige them to give.” (Note D, p. 49 of the _Fast Sermon_). [777] The concluding sections of the sermon were devoted to (a) a depiction of the awful calamities which would come upon America if ever French armies were permitted to work their remorseless ravages here, and (b) an analysis of the duties which arose out of the dangers that had been presented. The duties named required one (1) to stand by one’s post of duty, despite the gloomy but not utterly hopeless aspect of affairs; (2) to avoid all political connections with those nations which seem devoted by Providence to destruction, and to make a zealous effort “to watch their movements, and detect and expose the machinations of their numerous emissaries among us; to reject, as we would the most deadly poison, their atheistical and destructive principles in whatever way or shape they may be insinuated among us;” and, _especially_, (3) to promote the election to offices of trust of only such men as have “good principles and morals, who respect religion and love their country, who will be a terror to evil doers, and will encourage such as do well.” [778] _Ibid._, p. 34. For the benefit of his readers, Morse supplied the following translation: “At the East of the Lodge of Portsmouth in Virginia, the 17th of the 5th month, in the ear of (V∴ L∴) True Light 5798./: The (R∴ L∴ Pte∴ Fse∴) respectable French Provincial Lodge, regularly appointed under the distinctive title of WISDOM, No. 2660 by the GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE. To The (T∴ R∴ L∴) very respectable French Lodge, The Union, No. 14, constituted by the _Grand Orient_ of New-York. S∴ F∴ V∴ TT∴ CC∴ and RR∴ FF∴ The plate or opening (_la planche_) with which you have favoured us in date of the 16th of the 2nd month of the current year (Mque∴) Masonic, came to us but a few days since. It was laid before our (R∴ L∴) respectable Lodge, at its extraordinary session on the 14th inst. We congratulate you TT∴ CC∴ FF∴ upon the new Constitutions or Regulations which you have obtained from the Grand Orient of New York. We will therefore make it our pleasure and duty to maintain the most fraternal or intimate Correspondence with your (R∴ L∴) respectable Lodge; as also with all the regular Lodges who are willing to favour us with theirs.