A term applied to the Jacobins, and to the Jeffersonians; and, by the latter, to the Princeton College people, and to the opponents of Freemasonry.
1798. It was not my intention to doubt, that the doctrines of the Illuminati, and principles of Jacobinism had not spread in the United States. On the contrary, no one is more fully satisfied of this fact than I am.—Geo. Washington, ‘Writings’ (1893), xiv. 119. (N.E.D.)
1798. The Illuminati esteem all ecclesiastical establishments profane, irreligious, and tyrannical…. These Illuminated have had their founder, their Weishaupt, &c.—Mass. Mercury, Nov. 30.
1800. The Scare-crow, called the Illuminati, was conjured up.—The Aurora, Phila., Feb. 20.
1800. The Episcopal clergy, in union with the Illuminati of New England, exhibit Aaron and Corah cheek by jowl, in confederacy to root out Christianity.—Id., Feb. 22.
1800. On good Friday, 1799, the Connecticut illuminati were preaching up politics from the pulpit.—Id., April 10.
1800. Tomorrow we shall offer some hints on the Illuminati views in New-Jersey, at the head of which is President Smith, of Princeton College.—Id., April 17.
1800. The hypocrisy and anti-christian spirit which has long characterized the New-England Illuminati.—Id., June 7.
1800. These are the views of a New-England Illuminatus [Dr. Morse].—Id., Sept. 12.
1800. See POPE DWIGHT.—Id., Sept. 12.
