[1] Reverend Jedediah Morse, born at Woodstock, Connecticut, August 23, 1761, died at New Haven, June 9, 1826, was a man of note. He was the author of the first American geography and gazetteer. His connection with the leading public men of his times, particularly with those of the Federalist party, was both extensive and intimate. His travels and correspondence in the interests of his numerous geographical compositions in part promoted this acquaintance; but his outspoken and unflinching support of the measures of government during the Federalist regime did even more to enhance his influence. Morse was graduated from Yale College in 1783 and settled at Charlestown as minister of the Congregational church in that place in 1789. His wife was Elizabeth Ann Breese, granddaughter of Samuel Finley, president of the College of New Jersey. Quite apart from all other claims to public recognition, the following inscription, to be found to this day on a tablet attached to the front of the house in Charlestown wherein his distinguished son was born, would have rendered the name of Jedediah Morse worthy of regard: “Here was born 27th of April, 1791, Samuel Finley Breese Morse. Inventor of the Electric Telegraph.” W. B. Sprague’s _Annals of the American Pulpit_, vol. ii, pp. 247–256, contains interesting data concerning Morse’s activities and personality. Sprague also wrote _The Life of Jedidiah Morse, D. D._, New York, 1874. (Morse’s surname appears in the sources both as “Jedediah” and “Jedidiah”). Sawyer’s _Old Charlestown, etc._, p. 299, has an engaging account of Morse’s loyalty to the muse of Federalism, and of the painful, though not serious physical consequences, in which in at least one instance this involved him. _Cf._ also _Memorabilia in the Life of Jedediah Morse, D. D._, by his son, Sidney E. Morse. A bibliography of thirty-two titles by Morse is appended to the sketch in F. B. Dexter, _Biographical Sketches of the Graduates of Yale College_, vol. iv, pp. 295–304. [2] _A Sermon, Delivered at the New North Church in Boston, in the morning, and in the afternoon at Charlestown, May 9th, 1798, being the day recommended by John Adams, President of the United States of America, for solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer. By Jedidiah Morse, D. D., Minister of the Congregational Church in Charlestown_, Boston, 1798, p. 25. [3] Robison, _Proofs of a Conspiracy against all the Religions and Governments of Europe, carried on in the Secret Meetings of the Free Masons, Illuminati, and Reading Societies_, Edinburgh, 1797. CHAPTER I THE UNDERMINING OF PURITAN STANDARDS AND INSTITUTIONS 1. RAPID DISINTEGRATION OF PURITANISM AFTER THE REVOLUTION