PROPOSALS FOR A National Reformation, OF MANNERS, Humbly offered to the Consideration of our MAGISTRATES & CLERGY.  
To which is added, 

I. The Instrument for Reformation.  
II. An Account of several Murders, etc. and particularly A Bloody Slaughter-house discovered in Rosemary-lane, by some of the Society for Reformation, as the same hath been Sworn before two of Their Majesty's Justices of the Peace.    
AS ALSO The Black Roll. CONTAINING The Names and Crimes of several hundreds Persons, who have been prosecuted by the Society, for Whoring, Drunkenness, Sabbath-breaking, etc.  
Published by the Society for Reformation.  

LICENCED,  
Feb. 12th. 1693/●. D. POPLAR.   
LONDON, Printed for John Dunton, at the Raven in the Poultry. MDCXCIV.   

THE PREFACE  
ALL men agree, That Atheism and Profaneness never got such an high Ascendant as at this day. A thick gloominess hath overspread our Horizon, and our Light looks like the Evening of the World. Insomuch that all those great Works and Wonders which God hath wrought out for us, appear but like Walking-Trees; although the eyes of the Blind, and the Ears of the Deaf have been miraculously opened thereby, and that the Lame hath been made to Arise and Walk.  
Yet for all this, Impiety abounds, even after our angry God hath shaken the foundation of the Earth; and that he hath hereby, so loudly called on the Christian World, (to this Nation and City also, in a more especial manner) to awake from deep Slumber, and to amend our ways, by an Universal Reformation, of our Lives and Manners, and not to imagine Jamaica and Sicily, were greater sinners than others, for unless we repent we shall all likewise perish.  
These sad considerations, have compelled us to appear in the public face of so many discouragements on every hand.  
We believe no unprejudiced person, (which considers aright) will mistake our end herein, or suggest what never entered into our thoughts: For we are not so opinionated of ourselves; as presumptuously and arrogently to Dictate to our Honourable Magistrates and Clergy in the Administration of the Civil and Ecclesiastic Government, which God hath entrusted unto their conscientious Care and Managment, by those methods which their mature Judgement and Wisdom can Dirct.  
But our intention in this public appearance, is, in the first place, to represent some of those Fountain-heads which are the Scorse or Original (more especially) of those most palpable Evils, which have infected all places, and corncers of the Land and City with an Universal Contagion: That from this Prospect, many Mourners may be raised up in our Jerusalem, to wrestle with the Almighty, to remove those Tremendous Judgements hanging over our heads, and wherein every private Christian may become a public Blessing to the Nation.  
In the next place, we only Propose (in all becoming humility) some such Ways or Methods, for suppressing the daily growth of Wickedness, as may yet more and more excite and new-animate our Honourable MAGISTRATES and CLERGY to find out some better expedient for Universal Reformation of Manners.  
However, our hearty attempts unto the aforesaid End [in pursuance of those several Declarations and Proclamations of the KING and QVEEN's Most Ecclent Majesty, commanding and encouraging all Dutyful and Loyal Subjects thereunto, according to their several Capacities] hath met with a wonderful Blessing and Success from small beginnings, even beyond many persons expectations, by which it appear, God hath not despised the day of small things. FOR, who would have imagined that four or five persons only (who at first began this Work, in the sight and opposition of so many professed adversaries, would have met with so early encouragement, as namely from the Right Reverend BISHOPS my Lord Lucas, the Honourable Bench of Justices at Hicks's-Hall: Afterwards from the Right Honourable Lord MAYOR and Court of Aldermen; The honourable Sheriffs and Recorder, and from several other Persons of Eminent Quality for whose great Zeal and Piety herein, all good men's thanks are due.  
Wherefore that Posterity may rise up and Bless Their Memory (when they lie down in the Dust) the last Act of Justice and Gratitude we can show, to perpetuate their Name, is to present the World with these humble Proposals, for an Universal Reformation of Manners: Annexing thereunto this strange Relation of barbarous Murders, and particularly of a bloody SLAUGHTER-HOUSE: Affixing also, our BLACK-ROLL of the Names and Crimes of Notorious Offenders (taken out of the Records of several of the Courts, etc.) which this Society hath detected and brought to condign Punishment: Who when we were but an Embryo, yet then began to Quicken by that Benign Aspect, which these our most Honourable PATRONS were pleased to cast upon us.  
This alone, (if there had been no other Arguments) might have given us sufficient encouragement to make an humble Dedication of these Leaves unto THEM, but that we considered the implacable Adversaries unto Reformation would be labouring to misrepresent both the Subject-matter, and our End.  
To conculde, let all good Christians pray, that God alone may have the Honour and Glory of his own Work, unto whom be all Praises, Thanksgivings, Worship and Obedience, throughout all his Dominions, World without end. Amen.   

THE NECESSITY Of a Present National Reformation.  
SHall the Lion roar and the beasts of the Forest not tremble? Shall God Shake this and other Cities and Nations of Europe all at once, and shall our obdurate hearts remain unbroken, and unshaken after all this? Doth not the late Tremendous EARTHQUAKE in several parts of England and London (which had such influence on the English Court beyond the Seas, etc.) speak a loud unto this Nation, and these Kingdoms, and to this City? especially since it falls out in so few Weeks after that great Catastrophe in Jamaica? As on the one hand, these things tell us that God's anger is not yet turned away, and that his Arm is stretched out still, so on the other hand, this gentle warning (after many disregarded Mercies and Judgements) seems as if God was speaking to Us, as of old unto Ephraim. How shall I give thee up O Ephraim? how shall I make thee as Admah and as Zeboim? etc.  
The Church of the Jews sinned not against such alluring Motives to Love and Obedience as we have done. It's true they sinned greatly in the Wilderness, and afterwards also when they were in their Promised Land, (though followed with miraculous mercies and deliverances) so long grieving his Spirit, until God did greatly abhor his own Inheritance, and forsook Shilo (his Ark,) which he had placed among them. (Ps. 87.) And afterward gave the beloved of his soul into the hands of her Enemies: (then when he suffered the Babylonians, (or Chaldeans) to burn Jerusalem and his Temple.) They sinned still more and more after them return from Captivity, and that the Temple was rebuilt, their spirits being so inveterately incensed against one another, that one Church (or Temple-worship at Jerusalem) was not sufficient to preserve Union and Communion. Afterwards (in Christ's time) his degenerated Church was arrived to a higher degree of sin, even under that Plenary Administration of the Covenant (or Gospel of Salvation (in the person of the blessed Massias [Emanuel, or God-Man, made flesh and dwelling amongst them] tho attended with extraordinary Signs and Miracles. Which became the ground of that Woe denounced by our Saviour against Bethsaida, and Corazin, and drew Tears from his Eyes, and Sighs from his tender heart, when he wept over Jerusalem for their obduracy, who for his dear labour of astonishing Love (in his bloody Sweats, Sighs, Agonies, Tears, Conflicts, etc.) returned him no other recompenses but the height of Contempt and Scorn, together with a most public ignominious and cruel Death, and from whom they hide their faces, and against whom they hardened their hearts, even at the same time when he was pouring out his soul even to the death, and making his Body a Sacrifice unto his Father's wrath, which was kindled against him for their sakes. Yet all this monstrous ingratitude was excusable in them, comparatively to what our sins are against the Gospel-light, who had their Eyes blinded (by judicial anger of the Almighty,) their Ears stopped, their Hearts hardened; and yet St. Paul bears them witness that they had a zeal for God, though not according to knowledge: And that they ignorantly crucified the Lord of Life and Glory.  
However, this impiety cost them very dear at last, for after infinite Goodness and Patience slighted and affronted; their City and Temple were destroyed, and their whole Nation rooted out, in such wise, that they have been from that time a disregarded People, scattered throughout the whole Earth, who were once his dearly beloved and honoured, his peculiar Treasure and Inheritance above all other Nations in the World.  
What Jerusalem was of old unto Judea, and Judea unto other Nations, in like manner London is unto England, and England unto CHRISTENDOM. A City and Nation more favoured of God, (and more envied by the common Adversary) there is not to be found under the whole heavens: A City and Kingdom more honoured with the Presence of CHRIST in the Gospel, and its ordinances of worship, and the powerful operations of his Spirit in his word, (for Conviction and Conversion) is not to be found. Never such a Sunshine of the Gospel broke forth upon any Kingdom (or at least on any City) as upon England and London, since the Great Reformation (begun near 200 years ago) a greater privilege than if we had enjoyed Christ's Presence in the flesh, without the quickening, illuminating, regenerating, sanctifying, sealing testimonies of the Spirit. The first fruits whereof blessed ENGLAND brought forth unto God (even the first ripe fruits of the Gospel, since the grand Reformation) beyond all other Nations and People in the Christian World, viz. A holy Seed-Corn sown in the precious Blood of those Martyrs in the Marian Persecution, an Oblation of such sweet savour unto God, that (perhaps) for the sakes of these famous Worthies of the Church, God hath blessed our Nation with such continual increase of the Bread of Life; and also with so many burning and shining Lights of the Gospel, and eminent Labourers in his Harvest, that our Land may properly be called a Goshen, in comparison of all other parts of the Christian World. And may not this precious Seed of the Church have been the chief reason of those many great and wonderful Mercies and Deliverances, which God hath ever since wrought out for ENGLAND, so obvious unto all other people, from Age to Age, that it seems to tell the World (in capital Letters) that we are a Nation of his peculiar love and protection; the Vineyard which his own right hand hath planted, and watered, and fenced, and preserved both by Night and Day, his Jedidiah, his Hopthiziba, and Beula, the Signet on his right hand, and the labour of his endearing love.  
If otherwise, what means our miraculous deliverance from the Spanish Armada: The Gunpowder Plot: The Massacree and Desolation no doubt intended on all the Protestants of this Kingdom at the Fire of London (in 66) and how merciful was God to us, that the same East Wind which carried on the raging Flames, did also at the same moment keep off the French Fleet from landing upon us? and how soon was our City Rebuilt in greater Splendour, even to the painful grief and regret of the Common Enemy? (gnashing their teeth thereat, and opening their mouths wide against heaven, in contempt of God himself.) Also our great deliverance from that (more) Horrid Conspiracy of theirs (in 77 and 78) to root out that which they called the Northern Heresy (this blessed sunshine of the Gospel in these Three Nations). And what else may we learn from the late most famous REVOLUTION (in 88)? What wonderful Wheel within the Wheel? The great Abomination of Desolation was ready to be perpetrated in these Kingdoms and in this City, to lay the Church of Christ and his Sanctuary in heaps, etc. and to make the same bloody destruction in these Lands as was made in France a year or two before; the dregs of that Cup were reserved for us: This was a deliverance (in all respects considered) more miraculous than that which God wrought out for his oppressed Church in Egypt, and at the Red-Sea; and for which astonishing goodness, all our most grateful acknowledgements of Praises, Thanksgivings, and Obedience are continually due, to God in the first place, and in the next, unto those great favourites of Heaven, (our most Illustrious KING and QUEEN) whose happy Government God Almighty long continue among us, and grant that from their Reign, a new Meridian of increasing Glory may be erected throughout the Earth.  
Now, as our Mercies and Deliverances have been extraordinary great, Public, and National, most seasonable also and obvious unto all, and astonishing to our very Adversaries themselves, as well as unto others. [Insomuch that we are all constrained to cry out with surprising wonder— Lo! this is the finger of GOD! Behold! what salvation hath he wrought out for us, in the midst of the Earth?— Surely there is no Enchantment against Jacob, nor Divination against Israel.] So in like manner God expects from England and London a Public or National Reformation, and nothing less than this, will be esteemed by him a walking worthy of these great mercies in all-becoming thankfulness: Good Hezekiah rendered praises unto God in humility and acts of new-obedience, yet God took it amiss from him, that he walked not suitable unto such a great miracle of love and mercy shown him, in his recovery from that Sentence of Death which had passed on him: (having caused the Sun to go back 15 degrees, as an extraordinary token of God's endearing affection unto him, above all others). Nothing therefore less than a National Reformation will be acceptable in God's sight, after England's wonderful mercies and deliverances; this therefore is that which we have great reason to conclude, is the thing God looks for from us at this day, and without which we have too great cause to fear that after all, his infinite goodness and patience (abused) will turn into fury against us, and that his anger for all this will not turn away from us, unless we bring forth such fruits as are meet for repentance; you have I known of all families of the earth, therefore will I punish you for your iniquities: [that is to say, unless you bring forth the Public or National fruits for these National mercies I have shown you from time to time].  
But what shall we all say? who will plead for us, or mollify and bind up our wounds? What cause have we to fear least our iniquity is marked out before the Lord? O how dreadful it is to relate our deplorable case? Where are the Mourners? Would to God England (England more especially) could weep day and night, and be in bitterness of grief; and that all our eyes might send forth streams like many Rivers, and make our barren unfruitful Earth a Bochim. We have been planted a noble Vine, a Vineyard of God's own watering, and defence from Age to Age: But how have we degenerated into the Plant of a strange Vine, even since our late miraculous EXODUS? Have we not brought forth Apples of Sodom, and sour Grapes of Gomorah? Thorns and Thistles instead of Figs? What monstrous ingratitude and forgetfulness of all our eminent mercies? What high discontents, complaints, murmur, seditions, blasphemies, yea, and Rebellions against the LORD himself: We are looking unto Egypt again (as it were in contempt of the most high God, (who hath wrought out our great salvation) and appointing us a King under whom to return back into greater bondage and misery than what was felt under the Iron Furnace, from whence we came forth; Plenty of heavenly Manna we have now scattered round our Tents, but do we not loathe it; and are we not always filled with complaints, and sinful reflections on God himself? The History of the Jews in the Wilderness, exactly resembles us at this day. Are we not a generation of backsliders, presumptuous and selfwilled people? And have we not turned the grace and love of God (who hath redeemed us out of the house of Bondage) into sinful wantonness? Are we not Jeshuron like, and do we not kick against the Lord? Do we not harden ourselves against the Almighty, and set up our Thorns and Briers, to oppose him in the footsteps of those eminent Providences wherein he hath been walking in the midst of us, in an extraordinary manner and waiting on us, to complete our deliverance (whither we desire to be saved or no). But instead of a thorough amendment of our ways, and turning to our provoked Father, who in this gentle manner warns us out of his tender love, because he is loath to destroy us, not so much for our sakes as for his own Glory, and the honour of his great Name, lest that should be profaned by the adversaries of the Gospel, (the Heathen who are called by his name, (as Amos 12.9.) yet instead of returning unto. God with our whole heart and soul, May it not be taken up for a lamentation against us, that we grow worse and worse, and have sinned as we could; and have hardened ourselves yet more and more against the many judgements and mercies wherewith God hath been dealing with us from time to time? May it not be complained of against our Christian Judah and Jerusalem, as of old the Prophet did against the Church of the Jews, under their great Degeneracy, viz. That Profaneness is gone forth through the whole Land?  
Look we on Professors in general, How do the Vitals of Religion languish? What Wounds hath She received even amongst Her Friends? Universal Corruption and Degeneracy overspread the Church even in this Age, altogether as much as in Jeremiah's days. The Prophet was in a great strait what to do, and whither or no he had not best withdraw himself, and leave them, Jer. 9.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. O that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night. O that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men, that I might leave my people, and go from them: for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. They bend their tongue like their bow, for lies; they are not valiant for the truth. Take ye heed, every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother; for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders. They will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth, etc. Compared with Micah 7.4, 5, 6. The best of them is as a briar; the most upright is sharper than a thorn-hedge.— Trust ye not in a friend, etc. Is not the quickening, illuminating, converting, sanctifying Presence of the Spirit driven away from us? How many Hundred Sermons are preached, and not one Soul turned from the power of Sin and Satan unto God, even throughout the whole Land, nay, throughout this professing City? Several indeed are thereby brought into this and the other Party or Sect, and espoused to Opinions, etc. [especially of those who were the Means of awakening their benumbed Consciences into a serious frame, taking up with their External Way or Mode of Religion, as in a most safe Sanctuary; when Strangers (perhaps) to the Foundation-Principles of true Godliness, and almost totally negligent of the true Power and Practice of Christianity.] Hence so many are of Paul, and of Cephas and Apollo's; and hence such vain offensive wranglings (and scandalous janglings) in Matters of lesser moment; whilst Religion hereby hath received almost her mortal Wound, at the Heart, (with respect to the pure and holy Principles thereof, or that practical Piety wherein all true Christians are agreed) and Her languishing Vitals are in a manner giving up the Ghost. And the Spirit of God being hereby grieved, and vexed, and quenched, hath in a great measure left us to our own distempered Minds, and a Spirit of Giddiness hath seized many Heads; and we may read ICHABOD on the Doors of almost all our Churches and Assemblies, (whether public or more private) and The Glory of God is departed from us. Little is left us besides the Mantle of Elijah, and that also much rend (like the Veil of the Wounded Spouse, Cant. 5. ver. 7.) And were it not for the Common Gifts and Graces of the Spirit, the external Form of Godliness would in a great measure vanish out of our sight. And instead of the Presence of the Angel moving the Waters of the Sanctuary, hath not a great smonk filled the Temple? (Isa. 6.4. compared with Apoc. 15.8.) And are not the Word, and Sacraments, (Sabbaths and Ordinances, etc.) become to many [God forbid it should be to All, we now speak only of the generality of Degenerate Professors] the savour of Death unto Death? And are we not daily growing worse and worse?— That holy and honourable Communion of Saints, wherein the brightness of true Christianity (in the increasing lustre of the Gospel) was so greatly preserved amongst the Primitive Churches; and whereby so venerable an Esteem unto Piety was begat and nourished in the Heathens themselves, (beholding the Order, Love, Peace, Union, and Communion of the Professors of Religion in those days) and that which is become one great Article of our Faith, [The Communion of Saints] how greatly is it misunderstood by the generality of (nominal) Christians? an Universal Decay of Religion amongst us hath caused so little Conscience to be made of frequenting the Public Assemblies and Prayers of the Church? Yet suppose all this were duly and regularly performed, how little Communion hath one Christian with another, in their Bodily Presence, assembling together as if to see each others Faces, once a week or month, within the Church-walls, and keeping altogether at adistance from one another, as to Soul Converse? What strange Communion of Saints is this, when those Visits which are given tend but rather to promote greater Licentiousness, and Vanity of Mind, and Idle Talk, nay, amongst many of the Chief Professors also; or, at best, tend to no greater good, than to a How do ye? and, What News? Or, if there be an intimacy of Acquaintance, the unprofitable Discourses are interlaid with some fattening Provision for the Belly, etc. (Though Leanness is entered into the Soul, and Rottenness in the very Heart.) Psal. 12.1. Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, the faithful fail from amongst the children of men: they speak vanity every one with his neighbour; with flattering lips, and with a double heart do they speak. These, and many such symptoms (like grey Hairs) are not the things chief intended to be mentioned with reference unto the National Reformation, which to rectify must be the immediate Work of God, and his Spirit (in its pourings out hereafter expected) but they are thus represented before us, to convince how greatly our whole Head is sick, and our Heart faint. The same Complaint which Isaiah makes against Judah and Jerusalem, (even under that Divine Service in their Temple-Worship) and also under the Government of pious Jotham, (of whom it is said, That he prepared his ways before the Lord, and did that which was right in his sight, 2 Chron. 27.)  
On the other hand, if we cast our Eye on the loser sort of Professors (or Baptised Christians) of a more public and scandalous life, in our Nation, or within this City, what shall we say? Are not all their places full of Vomit? What Scorn and contemptible Derisions against the Holy Spirit, and its Quickning, Illuminations, Convictions, Wound, Conversions, Sealing, etc. do they profanely manifest? What Revile do they cast (with all the Odium and Backbitings they are able) upon Religion itself, and every thing that looks like Sobriety and Godliness? What a Spirit of Bitterness, Gall, and Wormwood is there in them against the faint Shadows of Practical Holiness or Reformation? With what Reluctancy do they set themselves to oppose it in every part or beginning of it, If possible, to stifle the very empty Sound thereof? The Name of REFORMATION is become almost as dreadful as the sound of that Drum made of a victorious Barbarian's Skin, etc. These sort of Men had rather have the Devil and his Vicegerents (if in human shape) to Rule in the high places of the Earth, than any Potentate, that shall hearty endeavour to reclaim the Reign of Vice and Debauchery throughout their Dominions. Swearing, Cursing, Drunkenness, Revile, Lasciviousness, Whoredoms, Riot, Gluttony, Blasphemies, Gamestring, and suchlike Wickednesses; are not only their daily Practice, but that for which they plead earnestly, and use all their Endeavour to corrupt the Age wherein they live, into a like of and compliance with all these Wickednesses. As if God had delivered these Three Kingdoms from the desolating Judgements that hanged over our Heads, on purpose that they might commit all these Abominations, and proceed from Evil to Evil, growing worse and worse, and corrupting themselves more and more. As if God had given Them over to a Reprobate Mind (with those Unthankful Romans) for their monstrous Ingratitude unto GOD, (to say nothing of the Blessed Instrument of our Deliverance, etc.) that Augean Stable, from whence such a multitude of (Serpentine) Hydra's breed: Rom. 1. from ver. 21. to the end. And as this is now become an epidemical Disease, and a Contagion universally overspreading itself, so we have reason to believe, that God expects from us all a National Reformation, before his Anger be pacified towards us. Otherwise we may conclude, that Tyre and Zid●n, Nineveh, yea, Sodom and Gomorrah, (who never were partakers of our extraordinary Mercies and Deliverances, will rise up in judgement against this Land and City. And we shall certainly (without Repentance) meet with a more fiery Judgement and fearful Indignation, than what befell them, who never sinned against that Gospel Grace, Light, and Love, nor yet against the many Warnings and Threaten, which we have done. God hath once more (of late) spoken aloud to all sorts amongst us (from the highest to the lowest throughout this Land, and in a special manner to this City) by shaking the Earth and the Sea; but are we made broken and contrite in spirit thereby? Have we not rather hardened ourselves more and more since that Angry voice? Hath that dreadful EARTHQUAKE in Jamaica (a few months ago) which swallowed up so many hundreds alive, etc. unsettled us, and shook us off from our Lees? Or hath that Tremendous Desolation rather persuaded us, that We are not so great Sinners as They were, foolishly concluding, That they on whom the Tower of Shilo fell, had sinned to a higher degree than others? Our Saviour tells us, Nay, but except we repent, we shall all in like manner perish. Which God Almighty of his great Goodness prevent, and give us all true Repentance, lest a seven times worse Calamity befall our Land.  
No Reflections are hereby intended to be made against any Person or Persons, who Rule in the Civil or Ecclesiastical Orbs of Government. As on the one hand we have great reason to bless God, that in this day there are several who do Worthily in our Ephrata, and deserve Double Honour; [particularly His GRACE the Most Reverend ARCHBISHOP of Canterbury, and several of the Right Reverend BISHOPS, together with other Persons of Quality, acting in any other public Sphere; ALL whose re●oycing, we doubt not but it would be more and more to see Piety flourish; and Vice, Debauchery, and Profaneness decay and whither throughout this City, and these Kingdoms. So likewise on the other hand, we have great ground for much Grief and Lamentation, to consider how little Their Personol and Relative Goodness and Virtues are of Influence, so as thereby to effect an Universal or National Reformation, without some other measures to put a stop unto that wide Floodgate of Atheistical Vice and Profaneness, which (like the Poet's Dust from Pandora's Box) hath so overspread all Places and Persons (for the generality thereof) as with an Epidemical Contagion infecting the whole Land.  
Wherefore from the afflicting sense of these things, as likewise from the Apprehensions of that Great Duty lying on us, to detect Vice, and promote a Reformation of Manners, according to our several Opportunities and Capacities; we can do no less than apply our selves to these our Magistrates and Clergy; and we do it in most humble manner, and with what setiousness and importunity we are able, entreating,— That as they All have a due regard unto the Name and Glory of GOD, the Good of his Church, the Sasety and Honour of the KING and QUEEN, and the Establishment of their Excellent Government, the Peace, Happiness, and Prosperity of these three Kingdoms, and particularly of this great, populous and flourishing City: And likewise, as ever they regard the conscientious discharge of that weighty and incumbent Duty, lying on them in their public Places of eminent Trust:— On the account of all these most weighty and serious Considerations, we most humbly and earnestly beseech and entreat, That THEY would forthwith more and more improve their utmost Interest and Endeavour to promote a National Reformation, without which it is greatly feared we shall not prevail with God for the Blessing which our Nation hath been struggling and wrestling for, in the midst of those affrightful Prospects which we have yet before us. This Public Reformation is the great thing (or seems to be) which God at this time is earnestly expecting from us, and without which who dare presume to conclude, that He will yet deliver us? and that his Hand will not still continue to be stretched out against us? and that Tremendous Desolation will not yet overtake us, like a Whirlwind from the Almighty? (Nah. 1.2, 3, 4, 5, 6.)  
We are not so vainly conceited of ourselves, as to take upon us to dictate or prescribe the several Paths, Steps, and Measures, etc. wherein a National Reformation (of Manners) ought to be effected, leaving this unto the Wisdom of our Superiors to determine and manage as they think best: But we do only, in all becoming Humility, propose these following Considerations, all or most of them being of great importance in the Apprehensions of several of the most Pious and Reverend Divines, both of the Church of England and of the Dissenting Brethren, (with other persons also of eminency for Religion, etc.) who, after a mature deliberation, have concluded, That the Considerations following are almost of indispensible Necessity unto the Essential Constitutive of a National Reformation, unless we resolve to content ourselves with the Name or Shadow thereof.  

I. CONSIDERATION.  
That there be a most solemn Fast, without any appearance of Ornaments amongst us, from the highest to the lowest; (and if we came in our rusty threadbare Garments, so much the better.) This we find in some extraordinary Cases (1.) Commanded, Exod. 33.5. (2.) expected by God from Professors in a day of Universal Degeneracy, then, when the Church lay under very severe Threaten, (Isa. 3. from Ver. 16. to the end of the Chapter.) And (3.) practised in the most solemn Fasts both of the Church, (as Exod. 33.6. Esth. 4.1, 2, 3, 14, 16.) and of Heathens, (Jonah 3.6, 7, 8, 9)  
The Internal Acts necessary at such most solemn Times, are,  
1. Afflicting of our Souls in good earnest, (and not hanging down our Heads for a day, like a bulrush; as Isa. 58.5.) In that great and only Fast in all the Jewish Year, (at the Day of Atonement on the 10th of the Seventh Month, Leu. 10.) God expressly threatens, That what Soul soever did not Afflict itself at that extraordinary time, should be cut off. And the King of Ninevehs Edict seemed in a manner as severe, Jonah 3.8.  
2. A particular Confession of the Sins of our Magistrates and Ministers, and the Aggravations thereof, with respect unto the Relation wherein they stand as Public Persons. This we find in Ezra 9.7 compared with Neh. 9.34, 35.  
3. A full and particular Confession of the most public and scandalous Sins of Professors, above all others; of such in an especial manner as have, in the visible Church of God, openly professed their deliberate Resolution to perform their Baptismal Vow, and are thereby admitted unto the Holy Communion, as visible Saints; and who also make a greater Profession of Religion and Sobriety than many [of the loser sort, who walk as if they had Renounced their Baptism] for These are they who more provoke God than the openly Profane, (Ezra 9.10.) and for which we ought in a most particular manner to mourn, and lie covered with shame, etc.  
4. A due sense of the most Rampant Sins and Atheistical Impieties of the most profane Debauchees of our Age, with a particular Confession and Mourning for them: and without which, God may justly charge Us as guilty in the furtherance of their Sin (in some sense).  
5. A particular enumeration of our several extraordinary National Mercies, [with great Thankfulness and Praises unto God, and great Self-abhorrence for our Forgetfulness thereof, and ungrateful Returns.] And likewise of the many Judgements God hath inflicted on our Nation and City from time to time; that hereby we may learn to consider and admire God's Infinite Patience, in not utterly consuming us; and may be taught rightly to mourn over our own and others Sins: and likewise to maintain a continual godly Fear and Jealousy, lest after all the multitude of mercies shown the Kingdoms, God be provoked even at last, to spew us out of his mouth, Neh. 9 from ver. 7. to ver. 32. and Ezra 9.13, 14. And after all that is come on us for our evil deeds and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our sins deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this. Should we again break thy commandments, wouldst thou not be angry with us till thou hast consumed us, so that there should be no escaping?  
6. A forsaking of our sins, and a most scrious and solemn renewal of Covenant with God, to walk in all the duties of new Obedience. (Neh. 9 vers. the last).   

II. CONSIDERATION.  
That there be effectual care taken to establish Justice and Judgement unto the Poor and Needy, the Destitute, the Oppressed and Afflicted in the Gate. That hereby Truth and Righteousness may flow down as a mighty Stream, and Violence be removed throughout the Land. Oppression and Violence (both going hand in hand) were one great (or the greatest) reason for the Flood on the old World (Gen. 6. there twice observed). And this crying sin is threatened above all or most others throughout the Scripture. The wise Man takes a particuliar observation of the place of Judgement & Righteousness, (or where Justice and Righteousness ought to be found in a most eminent manner) and beheld that wickedness and iniquity was there; (Eccl. 3.16.) to denote that of all the sins that are in the World, this seems most obvious in the sight of God, and of all others, soon exposeth a Nation to his just indignation. Hence Daniel's Counsel to Nabuchadnezzar as that which was the most prevalent remedy to divert God's Tremendous Judgement, hanging over his head, was to break off his sins by righteousness and his iniquities, byshewing mercy to the Poor (Daniel 4. v. 27.) And this is the effect of an acceptable Fast with God, viz. to lose the bands of wickedness; to undo the heavy burden; to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke. This is to bring the poor that are cast out, into our house, and not to hid ourselves from our own flesh. Isa. 58.6, 7.  
No reflections are here intended against the Reverend Judges in the Courts of Judicature, but with respect to that universal corruption of the several Practitioners, or Under-officers thereof in the Causes of the Poor, (whether of Widows, Fatherless, Orphans, or others) either through an almost total neglect of their Just Right, (for want of moneys to prosecute the same) or else by such tedious prolonging of their Suits, from Term to Term, and from Year to Year, that they had better suffer the wrong, and the violence of their Oppressors, (though never so unjust) than by seeking such an uneasy remedy (as that of Law) to run themselves on the very Precipice of Ruin and Destruction, whilst their little All is hereby exhausted in defence of their own Just Right; which occasions not small Cry in the Ears of God from these distressed Abjects throughout this Land?  
We do not entreat impossibilities, or expect the removal of those many mountains of difficulties which seem to lie in the way: And lest of all do we desire the displacing of any from their several respective Offices, and Employments; nor yet the diminishing of any Fees, etc. which the Law allows; but only thus much we humbly and importunately solicit, viz. That there may be a certain number of select persons (for Councillors, Solicitors, Attorneys, etc.) Men of known Integrity and Ability, who are wholly to attend on all the just and righteous Causes of the poor and needy only, and that they may be Sworn to make all the dispatch they can, in the effectual management and carrying on of their Causes, that they may all be brought to a most speedy Issue and Determination, without taking any Money or Monies worth from them or theirs, upon any account or pretence at any time whatsoever: And that there may be a settled Allowance established by Law, for these selected Persons, who are to undertake no other Cause or Causes whatsoever, but these of the poor and needy; (Widows, Fatherless, Orphans, and such like Objects) among whom also all wronged and afflicted Strangers, who are ignorant of our Laws, and are otherwise destitute of help or means to vindicate their Just Rights. And if this might be established so as to become effectual unto the great End aforesaid: O what Rich blessings might this bring down on these Kingdoms, and render us a praise and Glory to all Nations of the Earth? Perhaps under 1000 l. per Annum would be sufficient for this good Work: and if all those Gentlemen who keep so many devouring expenseful Hounds in this Nation, were to pay but 2 d. for each of their Dogs-heads, it would answer this high and noble End. Besides that great influence these select Practitioners would have over many others in the several Courts.   

III. CONSIDERATION.  
That there be a settled Allowance or Yearly Income, established for defraying the necessary expenses in carrying on of this Work of REFORMATION of Manners, (or such like) which by God's blessing hath been so happily begun amongst us; and which at present is brought unto such a good issue, even from very small beginnings [as may be more fully understood by perusing the late Instrument at the close of this Book]. Herein our pious Magistrates may yet more and more express their great zeal for the glory of God, in doing some singular good thing toward the more effectual execution of those many excellent Laws against the Profaneness and Debauchery, which so much abounds in these three Nations, and in this City.  
And whereas divers of the Right Reverend BISHOPS, together with the Public MAGISTRATES of this City, have already given all good Men reason to bless God for such ample proofs of their Zeal and Piety, in countenancing this Reformation, (as it is now begun) and for which our humble thanks and acknowledgements are always due (first unto Almighty GOD, and next unto THEM). So likewise we all have the same encouraging ground to hope that they who have thus far set their helping hand, to a Work of such Universal Acceptance with all Men, [other Persons of Quality also having honoured it, to say no more] will likewise improve their utmost interest to Establish this Reformation on the same Foundation (before named) as whereby their Majesty's most happy Government may yet more and more resemble the Bright-morning Star (that welcome Harbinger of our approaching DAY).   

iv CONSIDERATION.  
To supplicate their Majesties, That the public Playhouses may be suppressed.  
It is not denied but that private Balls, and such like interludes may be lawful for Princes and Nobles, to recreate themselses therewith (at fit times and seasons); yet with respect to the public Playhouses, these following Arguments are in all becoming humility presented to Their Majesty's serious and mature consideration, as their Piety and Wisdom shall think fit to determine; leaving the issue unto God, who turneth the hearts of Kings, as wonderfully as the great River of Water, and the Channels of the Deep, whenever he pleases.  
1. It is the opinion of every individual person that makes any serious Profession of Religion, and is of a sober life and conversation, that the Public Playhouses have a direct tendency (in their sad Effects) to corrupt and vitiate the minds of the generality of all sorts, more or less, though more immediately of all who frequent them; and by consequence also of those who converse with such, (though they do not attend on these Houses, through that vain and irreligious spirit that so dangerously infects those of their acquaintance, with whom they associate (being of such an assimulating nature, as we too sadly find it). They all agree (who make any serious profession of Godliness) that in these Houses, Piety is strangely ridiculed, the holy reverend and dreadful Name of GOD profaned, and his Glory and Interest rendered contemptible or vile; and the City (and all others who frequent these places, especially the Youth) alured hereby into the love of, and delight in Idleness, excessive Vanity, Revellings, Luxury, Wantonness Lasciviousness, Whoredoms, and such Debaucheries (by Oaths, looseness of conversation, corrupt Atheistical principles, touching God and Religion, and almost a total neglect of any thing that may be truly termed practical Piety) through these Nurseries and Seminaries of Vice. [Yet sometimes also under a Vizard-Mask, or pretence of exalting and dignifying Virtue, and dishonouring Vice, for the Devil will want none to plead for his School] Not that it follows, that every person who sees Plays, is in this degree corrupted by them: but, that it is the universal opinion of all truly Sober and Godly Men, That nothing in the world hath a greater tendency to corrupt the generality of those who frequent these Public Houses, than attendance from time to time upon their interludes, and is one great reason why the sins before named (to which others might be added also) are become so deeply Radicated, and now Habitual (for these 30 years last passed) unto the Constitution of our English Nation; as whereby not only our Bodies become a Prey to many Diseases, but our very Minds also are corrupted, and the natural Vigour and Manliness, Prowess and Valour of our Kingdom (for which Britain formerly was in so much Renown among all Nations) is hereby in a manner wholly (or very much) lost, and effeminate Pusillanimity bred and cherished hereby.  
2. It is more than a little suspected, that it hath been and still is one grand design of those Priests and Jesuits, who adhere unto the French Interest, to introduce and keep up these Public Playhouses on purpose.  
1. To obudrate the Conscience of Professors, and cast such a mist before their Eyes that they may thereby be prepared to entertain those Principles which so much tolerate and encourage these Vices that are so destructive to a Nation.  
2. To Mollify and Esseminate the English Valour, that we may be broken in pieces when our Martial Neighbour Nation shall Invade us.  
3. The Devil actually appeared amongst them, when that sad Tragedy of Faustus (the Conjurer) was acted, (a dreadful token of God's highly provoked Wrath.) then when the unquenchable Fire of Hell and Everlasting Burn were represented to the Spectators, (together with the external Appearance of Mock Devils) as a Jest only to raise Sport and Laughter at those Realities, that if felt, will create the tremendous Worm in Conscience that never dies; as if the generality of obdurate Sinners had a design hereby to render the Damnation of precious Souls either a Figment, or a matter of no such formidable consequence, as a mere Scarecrow seems to be amongst the Fowls. The amazing Horror and Consternation that was then amongst the Spectators startled them at that moment, but it soon went off (as a Thunderclap, that affects but in the moment only.) Where could the Devil better show himself, than either in the most remote parts of the Infidel-World, where he is worshipped in Bodily Shape, or else on this most profane Spot here in London, which he may too reasonably take for his own Ground, since the Heathen, who are called by God's Name, (even in this Metropolis of Great Britain) invoke this Hellish Fiend, and provoke him thus to appear amongst them.  
4. God hath, in his most justly incensed Anger and judicial Wrath, suffered divers of the Actors on these public Stages of Wickedness to harden their own Hearts, to a most desperate degree of Seared Conscience; as whereby they have offered (like persons possessed with Diabolism) the highest Affront that can be at present thought or devised, both unto God's Goodness, Merciful Patience, and Long-suffering, Meekness, Gentleness, and Forbearance, (which is intended to lead all sorts unto Repentance) and also unto his Severity of Justice and provoked Indignation. A most notorious Instance we have had in the late K. Charles' Reign, before whom the Comedians brought the Holy Bible on the Stage, as if they had intended to dress up the Scriptures in a ridiculous disguise, (together with the truly Conscientious Christian, who professeth, before God and his Church, to live up according to the plain intelligible Rules and Precepts therein contained) as surely as ever the Jews put on the Purple Robe and Crown of Thorns on Our Saviour, on purpose to expose his Sacred Person an Object of most public Ignominy and Reproach; and had not that King forbidden them such an Act of Villainy, it is not to be questioned but they had long  this exploded the common Principles of a Deity, whose express Image (written with the immediate Inspiration of the Spirit, called the Finger of GOD) is this Sacred Word of His, the mighty power of God, through Faith unto Salvation in all who believe.  
Another notorious Instance, how far they are left of God and his Spirit unto a Reprobate Mind, we have lately had amongst us, when the Comedians in Bartholomew Fair were going to Act that Tremendous Tragedy which a few months since happened at Jamaica, by that dreadful EARTHQUAKE, which swallowed up so many Hundreds alive into their Grave: And we have been credibly informed, That some of them, or suchlike Brethren in Iniquity, (far worse than Devils Incarnate, who believe and tremble at the consideration of GOD and his Righteous Judgements) have drank a Health to the next Earthquake! an Impiety almost beyond a Miracle, and not to be mentioned without greatest abhorrence and detestation.  
Thus we see to what superlative degree of Atheistical Profaneness the Antecedents, Concomitants, and Consequences of these public Plays and Comedies do lead Men, and how dangerous it may be to a City or Nation to tolerate or countenance such Places, where GOD, and Man's Salvation, His WORD, His Judgements, Heaven, Hell, and Danmation, etc. (those great and weighty Concerns of the whole Intellectual Creation) are in such a profane manner exposed and prostituted unto Contempt, Shame, and Ridicule. And whereas the numerous Attendants upon, and Spectators of, these Public Interludes (who are of all Sorts and Ranks) may for a while stifle their own Convictions, and skin over their secret Wounds, by objecting, That they are not the Actors, and that others would fill up the Places if they did absent themselves, and many suchlike Evasions, which are but Fig-leaves, to cover over their own Nakedness; yet they would do well to consider that clear Text, (Rom. 1. and the last Verse) where taking delight in those who commit open and scandalous Sins, is looked upon by God as a greater degree (or, at least, as great a height) of Sin, as if They were the Criminals themselves,— Who knowing the Judgements of God, that they who commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.   

V CONSIDERATION.  
That great Care be taken to put a Difference between the Clean and the  Members (the Vile and the Honourable) in the Visible Church; and not to admit all sorts of lose Professors unto the Holy Communion, or Supper of the Lord.  
Having in a more special manner hitherto addressed ourselves unto the Public Magistrates, we close up the wholewith an humble and importunate Request and Entreaty, That the several MINISTERS of the Church (or Churches) of Christ, who have the Charge, Care, and Inspection over their whole Flock, committed unto them by Christ (whether those of the Church of England, or other Congregations) would yet make more and more Conscience of suspending from the Lord's Table all such Members of theirs, who are notoriously known and observed to be of a scandalous Life and Conversation, [viz. Common Swearers, Cursers, Drunkards, Revelers, Haunters of Publick-Houses of common Infamy, Prophaners of the Lord's day, common Gamesters, Riotous, and suchlike, and all who are notoriously suspected to be such, or to be guilty of Adultery or Fornication, secretly lived in, and not openly repenting thereof.] We all know, That the Orthodox Doctrine of the Church of England, and the Rules (or Canons) of her Discipline, (as likewise of all other Reformed Churches beyond the Seas, do positively and expressly forbid all such scandalous persons from coming to the Sacrament, and strictly enjoins them All to forbear that Sacred Ordinance whilst they continue in their Sins, lest hereby they profane the Holy Mysteries of the Communion of the Body and Blood of our Lord Christ, without a scrious and impartial Examination of themselves, and a visible manifestation of Repentance, in case any are guilty of those or the like open and seandalous Sins. And we are obliged in Charity to believe, that all the pious Ministers of the Church do take a conscientious care herein: But what shall we say? In this debauched Age, wherein Sin hath got such an universal rooting, how many lose Pastors or Ministers are there throughout this City, (shall we say, or rather throughout the whole Nation?) who are regardless in this matter of so great consequence? And we all may appeal to any sober understanding Person, whether this he not one of the great Causes or Grounds of that Offence, which many have taken at the Church of England, and by reason whereof there hath been such a number of Dissenters, as we see are at this day. And this is certainly true, that many young Persons, who have been loosely educated, and scarce know the Principles of Christianity and Church-Communion, etc. yet have long since, and even at this day, imbibed (of their own accord, without any Document from others) a real Disrelish and Disesteem of the Church of England, and that for no other reason than this palpable Corruption of many of the Ministers thereof in this neglect of their Discipline, so contrary to the Canons of the Church. And when they see such an Epidemical Distemper overspreading itself, (without Redress) the consequence thereof may be such, as is not difficult for any considering persons to conjecture. And it must needs be for a daily Lamentation, that the Complexion of the Christian Church (though Anti-Roman) looks so like that of the highly degenerated Church of the Jews, of which the Prophets so greatly complained, even of old, under their Temple-Worship at Jerusalem, Ezek. 22. v. 25. They have devoured Souls.— Ver. 26. Her Priests have violated my law they have profaned my holy things; they have put no difference be, 'tween the holy and profane, nor between the unclean and the clean— and I am profaned amongst them. Compared with Mal. 1.6, 7: Ye offer polluted Bread upon my Altar, etc.  
Many Mountains of Objections and Difficulties seem to lie in the way: None that we know do intent to propose the Removal of These Ministers, etc. but must leave that to the Wisdom of those who better understand their Duty, than we may presume to be the Judge thereof: But all that we humbly entreat, is, That there may be some such Way or Medium put into practice, as may redress this Corruption in the Discipline of several Parochial Churches, (or other Congregations) who need this, or some suchlike Way or Method, whereby, if possible, to prevent the further spreading of this Malady in the Church. Wherefore till the Wisdom of our Superiors shall think fit to find out some better Measures, We humbly propose the following Way or Method, as a present Expedient only, and this also in becoming Modesty, in order to the aforesaid Necessary End.  
Supposing therefore that the several Ministers, who have the immediate Care and Charge of their respective Parishes or Congregations, choose out amongst some of their Flock, divers Persons of known Piety and Integrity, unto whose Care and Fidelity to commit the Trust of Inspecting into the Lives and Conversations of Those, within their own Parish, or Congregation, who are most known or suspected for more open and seandalous Vice and Debauchery, that so they may be Ear and Eye-witnesses thereof, and of their frequent Relapse or Continuance therein, [no persons being to know who these Inspecters are but the Minister and themselves] and so accordingly to inform the Minister with Particulats, which their own Eves, and Ears, and Observation can and shall attest: And that the Minister, every Lord's-day, after Evening Sermon, in the presence of the Congregation, cause the Names and Crimes to be distinctly read (as they stand upon this Record) declaring, That these persons are to be Suspended from the Lord's Table, till they purge themselves by open Confession, and visible Tokens of Repentance; and if they do not by a limited time prefixed, after they have had Notice of their Crime; then to be proceeded against according to the Legal Comminations and Censures of the Church, (their Silence to be taken for a  Confession, and Token of their obstinate persistance in their Sins.)  
To close up the whole of this Discourse in a word, If it shall please God to put it into the Hearts of our pious Magistrates and Ministers, to use their utmost Interest and Endeavour to promote a National Reformation in the Particulars before mentioned, or in any other adequate unto all or some of the great Ends, so necessary to be accomplished. This may be the most effectual Means to answer GOD 's Expectations from these Nations, (and more especially from England and London) and thereby to prevent those Judgements which we have yet all so much reason to fear and expect. Then we need not be too solicitous what any Man can do unto us, or that Arm of Flesh, Strength, or Policy of our Common Alversary; for GOD will then be on our side, and perfect those wondrous Mercies and Deliverances He hath begun to work out for us. Then will THE LORD OF HOSTS go before us, and Fight all our Battles, and make our way smooth and prosperous before our Face, and guide us by his Vnerring Counsel, and direct all our Steps, and lead us into the Way of Peace, Safety, Honour and Renown. Then will He delight to do greater and greater things for us, whilst He puts a Fear and Dread on our Enemies. Then will He make our walls Salvation, and our gates Praise. This Blessed Reformation will be a greater Security to our KING and QUEEN, and to Their Excellent Government, and to their Kingdoms and Dominions (in particular also unto this Great and Populous City) and to the Church of Christ, and his Interest and Gospel, than all our Warlike Preparations, of Stores and Magazines, or than all our Treasury of Gold and Silver, or than all our Councils, Wisdom, Policy, and Excellent Conduct, Prowess and Mangificence of our Most Illustrious Monarch, or than all our Armies, and Confederate Forces by Land or Sea.  
And who can tell, but GOD may denounce that Woe against All who shall attempt to obstruct this National Reformation, in most humble manner thus presented to the Higher Powers [our Supreme Magistrates and Ministers, the pious Governors of the Civil and Ecclesiastic State?]  
— Woe be unto that man, by whom this offence shall come: It had been better for him that a millstone were hung about his neck, and that he was cast into the bottom of the sea.    

THE INSTRUMENT FOR Reformation.  
WHEREAS His Majesty, in his Letter to the Bishops, hath declared his most earnest desire of a General Reformation of the Lives and Manners of all his Subjects: And the Queen's Majesty in her Letter to the Justices of the Peace, of the County of Middlesex at their Sessions at Hicks's-Hall, hath Charged and Required Them to use the most effectual Methods for putting the Laws in Execution against all manner of Profaneness and Wickedness: Whereas also, both Their Majesties have lately Issued out Their Proclamation against Vicious, Debauched and Profane Persons; wherein they declare the deep Sense of the Goodness and Mercy of Almighty God (by whom King's Reign) in giving so happy Successes to their Endeavours for the Rescuing of these Kingdoms from Popish Tyranny and Superstition, etc. So also they are not less touched with a Resentment, that notwithstanding these great. Deliverances, Impiety and Vice still abounds in this Kingdom: And that the Execution ofmanygood Laws that have been made for the Suppressing and Punishing thereof, hath been grossly neglected, to the great Dishonour of God and Religion. Wherefore they further declare their Princely Resolution to discountenance all manner of Vice; and for that purpose they straight Charge, Require and Command all Judges, Mayors, Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, and all other Officers Ecclesiastical and Civil, in their respective Stations, to Execute the Laws against Blasphemy, profane Swearing and Cursing, Drunkenness, Lewdness, Profanation of the Lord's Day, or any other dissolute, immoral or disorderly Practice, as they will answer it to Almighty God, and upon pain of their Majesty's highest Displeasure. And for the more effectual Proceed herein. They direct and command Judges and Justices of the Peace, to give strict Charges at the respective Assizes and Sessions, for the due Prosecution and Punishment of all Persons that shall presume to offend in any the Kind's aforesaid; and also of all Persons that, contrary to their Duty, shall be remiss or negligent in putting the said Laws in Execution; as may be seen more at large in the said Royal Proclamation, given at their Majesty's Court at White-Hall, Jan. 21. 1691/2, in the third Year of their Reign.— In pursuance hereof, many excellent Orders have been given out, particularly by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of the City of London: The Bench of Justices at their General Quarter-Sessions held forth County of Middlesex, and also by the Justices at their General Quarter-Sessions held for the County of Surry. Wherein they Charge and Command all Counstables, Headboroughs, Churchwardens, etc. to use their utmost Endeavours to bring all Offenders against the Laws aforesaid to condign Punishment, severely meancing their Negligence, but promising to their Diligence herein all Encouragement. Yet notwithstanding all this, Vice and Wickedness abound in every place, Lord's Days are still profaned; Drunkenness and Lewdness escape unpunished; our Ears in most Companies are filled with Imprecasions of Damnation, the Corners of our Streets every where echo the horrible Sounds of Oaths, Curses, and blasphemous Execrations. The blame of all this lies undoubtedly (for the most part) at the doors of Inferior Officers; Authority (both Supreme and Subordinate) having sufficiently acquitted itself, and worthily acted its part, in giving forth strict Commands as aforesaid: But these (though they are entrusted to be the only immediate Executors of the Laws) have neglected to put them in Execution. Now as Execution is the life of Laws; so their Non-execution (being equivalent to an actual Repeal) renders them useless, or as if they never had a Being: Hence it is that Wickedness grows rampant, and Profaneness rides triumphant, trampling upon all the Zeal and Piety of Virtuous Governors and Legislators, making all their Religious Intentions and Resolutions void and of none effect. How much the said Officers are concerned in this Gild, and which of them are most faulty, we may easily see, if we divide them into two Ranks, and take a view, first, of those that will not do their Duties; being conscious of their own wicked Inclinations and Actions, they will not punish that Impiety in others, which they allow of in themselves. There are other Officers that are more conscientious: Of these, some are Tradesmen, which willingly would, but cannot spare time to give that Attendance that is requisite for the full discharge of their Offices, without a manifest neglect of their Shops, Trades and other Business. And thus the best Laws for punishing and suppressing of Vice and Wickedness, that are already, or for the future can be made and enforced, though by a thousand Proclamations and subordinate Orders, will all prove ineffectual, unless put in Execution by Under-Officers: Of these (as ) some are profane, and will not; others would, (and something they do towards it) but have not time to do to the full of what is required of them. To remedy these great Inconveniencies, and to answer the Great and Noble Ends of our Governors, in making good Laws, and pressing their Execution, the Expedient, (as drawn up in the following Form,) is most humbly proposed.  We who are Inhabitants of the Cities of London and Westminster, and Parishes adjacent, both in the Counties of Middlesex and Surry, having an Eye to the Honour of God and the King, and the public Benefit of the Nation: And being encouraged by the late happy Success that hath attended the industrious Endeavours of the Tower-Hamlets; whereby [according to a Method mentioned in their printed Paper, or Instrument, That declaring honest and joint design for the general suppressing of Bawdy-houses, etc.] they have with more than ordinary Diligence, and great expense of their Time and Money, in the space of two or three Years, (as lately Affidavit hath been made before the Bench of Justices at Hicks' Hall,) not only brought to due Punishment, according to Law, seven or eight hundred Criminals; but also generally routed those naughty Houses, which formerly abounded amongst them.] And being fluenced by that good old Principle or Axiom, Bonum quo communius, eo melius, resolve to use our hearty Endeavours, that so good a Work may no longer be consigned within such narrow Limits, but be farther promoted for more general Advantage. WHEREFORE we agree, upon our own Costs and Charges to employ and maintain a competent Number of such fitting Persons, as we shall choose, to assist the several Constable and other Officers, in the Wards of the said City of London, and in other of the said adjacent Parishes, in putting in Execution those good Laws aforesaid; viz. by observing and taking notice of all those, that for the time to come, shall impudently dare, in Rebellion against the Laws of God and Man, to Swear and Curse, to profane the Lord's day, or be guilty of the loathsome Sin of Drunkenness; also by searching out the lurking Holes of Bawds, Whores, and other filthy Miscreants, in order to their Conviction and Punishment according to Law. We promise to take care [what in us lies] that none shall be connived at or Favour or Affection, and none prosecuted out of Malice or Hatred. And to the end that nothing may be done illegally, we will have frequent Recourse to those that are Learned in the Law, in order to act by their advice, Counsel and Direction. In our contending against those Abominations that threaten the Destruction of the whole Kingdom. An angry Look of God not long since made the Earth Tremble. And may we not fear, without Reformation, the next Look may be to our Ruin and Destruction; What are we better than the Cities of Naples, Smyrna, Inspruck, Sicily, and Jamaica who lately thus perished? one great Reason why Wickedness so abounds in this Nation, is, because no more private Hands are engaged against it; all is left to have or six Officers in a Parish, though it may be one half, if not two thirds of them, for the generality, instead of being Suppressers, are rather Supporters and Encouragers of it, either by neglect of Duty, or by giving bad Example. To conclude, what dreadful Judgements may we not fear, if we continue unreformed? But if this blessed Work of Reformation [as we have great hopes] prospers, what Blessings may we not expect? The Reformation we are endeavouring in this great City and Suburbs by the continuance of God's Blessing, and of our Magistrates favourable Countenance, effectually to accomplish we hope will influence the whole Nation, (with Scotland and Ireland) in such wise, that we all with one Heart, one Mind, one Soul, might fear God, honour the King, and live in Love, Unity Peace and Concord one with another. Amen, and Amen. 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉   

A true Relation of several Barbarous Villainies and Murders detected in and about London, by some Constables and other Officers, assisted by some of the Society for Reformation. Whereunto is Added an Account of a Bloody SLAUGHTER-HOUSE in Rosemary Lane, near East-Smithfield: Discovered by A. M. (one of the Constables) belonging to the Society.  
The whole having been Sworn before Two of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for London and Middlesex.  
A Long Harangue is not here intended, but only a Short (yet 〈◊〉 and true) Narrative of such Matters of Fact, etc. as may not on●● for up All Persons of common Morality and Sobriety, to Abominate the frightful Appearance of VICE (dressed up in the black Spots of Looseness and Debaucherie) but likewise to Mourn and Lament by reason of that Universal Contagion of Sin and Wickedness, which hath so dangerously Overspread this City (and Nation also) and Infected so many persons of all Ranks, both young and old; each Sex also, and almost every Place and corner of the Land: Hoping that this Relation may have some Influence on all Good Men, to Excite their ardent Sighs and Prayers to GOD that he would New-animate our Pious Magistrates, and Clergy in a more especial manner, to improve their great Interest to Promote and Encourage such a Society, (or Societies) as shall conscientiously regard the Glory and Honour of GOD, the safety and preeservation of the Government, under which we so happily Live, wherein the Public Good of these Kingdoms doth so eminently consist) by their hearty and loyal endeavours to discover all such like Notorious Criminals, and to bring them unto condign Punishment.  
It were greatly to be wished, that every of these Monstrous Villains had not thus escaped the Sword of the Magistrate: But seeing the Devil hath thus secured several of them from a present Apprehension or Execution, as his Hellish Favourites, thereby to further them in all such Wickednesses, as may make them fully Ripe for a more heavy Condemnation hereafter: (without Repentance) it is not to be doubted, but the Allseeing Eye and Hand of the most Just and Righteous God, will sooner or later reach them. Unto Whom Vengeance belongs, and who will Recompenence it them in his own due time.  
The Account is as follows.  
THe Queen Dowager's Butler was Murdered in Anno 1689. by keeping company with Sarah Hodges living in the Hamlets of Wappen-Stepney, (at the Sign of the Bird in Hand) who maintained a (reputed) Bawdy-House. Several great Evidences were produced in order to her Conviction, but all ineffectual.  
A little after, it happened one night that the Neighbours observed the said Sarah Hodges' Maid frequently sent out upon Errands, and this till Ten or Eleven a Clock at night. The next morning the doors being fast, several Neighbours knocked, but no person opening, at last they found the door open, and searched the low room narrowly, but could discover nothing. But going up one pair of Stairs, into the fore-Chamber, a sad and lamentable Spectacle presented itself. A Young Woman was found in bed having her Throat Cut: On the floor of the same Chamber the Servant-Maid of the House lay with her Throat cut also. In the back Chamber of the same floor, the Mistress of the House (the aforesaid Sarah Hodges) was found in bed with her Throat Cut also; and both her Ears slit, to take out her gold Earrings. In this dreadful manner all Three lay weltering in their blood, and the House was found rifled.  
Not long after, another Woman in Goodmans-fields, that kept a reputed Bawdy-House, had her Throat cut also, by one Selbey, who was afterwards Executed near the same House. And at the same time another Woman's Throat was cut in the said House: but not being cut through the Windpipe, she recovered, and discovered the Murder. But who murdered the former Women, is not yet known.  
But above all the Relations which have been given the World of matters of this nature, although some of them have been very strange and surprising, yet this following Account seems to all who have heard thereof, most Wonderful and Amazing; Giving all of us great ground to conclude that many horrid Murders have been perpetrated from time to time in this place; Insomuch, that it may not unfitly be called— The Strange Discovery of a New and bloody SLAUGHTER-HOUSE. Which is as followeth.  
In the year 1692. Mr Anthony Miles (one of the Society being then Constable, and walking his rounds, it happened that in Rosemany-Lane near East-Smithfield, at the House of one Mistress Smith [who was known to entertain Whores and Theives] he heard a great Revel rout, with many Oaths and Curse, and making a stand to hearken and inform himself, he heard several Persons in that House thrusting one another down Stairs, (who seemed to him to be naked by the found of their feet) One of them suddenly unbolted the door, whereupon the said Constable thrust in his Staff to keep it open, and entering in, with divers Persons attending him, he found three naked Men, and three naked Women (who had been Dancing and Revelling) whom they apprehended and carried to the Watch house, and in the morning they were committed to Bridewell by Justice Vnderhill, and were whipped, with one more, who came to vindicate them.  
About three months after this, the said Constable (walking again the same Rounds, and) passing by this House, heard a great outcry about— of the clock in the night, with much Swearing and Cursing, who begged of one another, that for the Lord's sake they would all be quiet. The Constable thereupon waited without, till they at last made a loud Outcry of Murder! Murder! Murder! Whereupon, he Commanded the door to be opened: They refusing, the said Constable forced it open (with others of the Watch attending) in the ground-room he could make no discovery, but going up the Stairs, he observed they were sprinkled with blood; and forcing his way into the Chamber (of the second floor) after he had broke open the door, he found blood in a Bowl, and also in a Chamber-pot, and a great quantity of blood lying in a hollow place in the midst of the floor, and Two Women in bed: Nothing would they confess, but pretended the blood came by a cut of one of their fingers: And going up into the Garaet, (the Constable observing those Stairs were also sprinkled and smeared with blood) they found blood sprinkled on the Ceiling and Walls, and the floor was so full of congealed blood, that it covered their soles, and squashed under foot, as if they had been in an Old SLAUGHTER HOUSE that wanted cleansing; being so slippery they could scarce stand [Which seems plainly to discover, that blood had been there for some consideaable time, etc.] Here they found Two young men upon a Bed in their ; and in the said Garret there lay the  of another Man: viz. his Coat, Breeches, Doublet, Stockings, Shoes, Hat, Wig. Craver, but his Shirt was wanting.  
The Constable and other Officers searched the House from the top of the tiles and downward, and in every place and room, even to the bottom, three several times, and could make no further discovery, more than what was so Notorious, Obvious, and Tremendious to behold: Nor would any of the Persons in the House Confess any thing (more than a cut of one of their fingers) whereupon they were committed to the Watch-house, and a Guard set on the House, and the next morning brought before Justice Constable and examined, but confessed nothing, and he sent them to Bridewell, where they were Whipped severely, and detained for sometime, till further Evidence came in against them: At last none Appearing, they were discharged.  
God grant these Extraordinary Providences may be seriously attended, as (no doubt it is intended to be for) a Loud Warning from Heaven to the Licentious Youth in and about This City, (more especially) to take heed what Company they frequent, as being no small Temptation to draw forth their Corruption, and to betray them into the most dangerous Snares of Death and Hell. To prevent which, Let every good Christian Pray (with David)— LORD Order and direct my Steps in thy Paths, that I may run all the ways of thy Precepts with delight; then shall I not be ashamed when I shall have respect to All thy Commandments. And we make no small Progress herein, when we maintain such a constant fear and jealousy over our own Hearts and Lives, as makes us daily (with that Blessed Man) to have our recourse to God by prayer.  
Hold thou up my Steps in thy Paths, that my feet slide not; And when we fall, LORD! seek thy Servant that is gone Astray, for I have not forgotten Thy Commandments.   

A Black Roll,  
Containing the real (or reputed) Names and Crimes of several Hundred Persons that have been Prosecuted by the Society, this last Year, for Whoring, Drunkenness, Thefts, Sabbath-breaking, etc. as Delivered unto Them by their Clerk: And been published for the satisfaction of many who have been desirous to know what progress we have made in this Reformation of Manners.  

Some or these Persons have kept Bawdy-Houses; some of whom have been Indicted and some Fined.  
Marry adam's  
Mary Arrundell  
Sasah Allin  
Mary Abbitt  
Mary Anderson  
Jane Armstrong  
Elizabeth-Avem  
James and Sarah Ayres  
Elizabeth Ealy  
Elixabeth Earl  
Margaret Earen  
Mary Ev'nall  
Amey Eliot  
Sarah Edward's  
Alice Jones  
Christian King  
Mary 〈◊〉  
〈…〉  
〈…〉  
〈…〉  
〈…〉  
〈…〉  
〈…〉  
Ann 〈◊〉  
Charity Squish  
Elizabeth Shift  
Mary Smith  
Rebecca Trimmer  
Mary Thorogood  
Jane Winchcomb  
Sarah Whitaker  
Mary Wilden  
Elizabeti Ealy  
Thousas Bowater  
Tho. and Sarah Burton  
Elizabeth Brown  
●ane Bricksteck  
Henry Body  
Mrrtha Blefford  
Elizabeth Bushel  
Ann Bradbery  
Ann Brewrick  
Marry Bone  
Mary Banfield  
Joan Horsnaile  
Mary Hughes  
Mary Harrissen  
Dorothy Howell  
Elizabeih Faugh  
Elizabeth Jones  
Elizabeth King  
Susanna Lewis  
Sarah Moor  
Samuel Parker  
John & Mary Packer  
Mary Quarles  
Elizabeth Raice  
John & Sarah Rigway  
Alice Sprinkfield  
Susanna Stanley  
Sarah Scoot  
Margaret Seal  
Sarah Thompson  
Richard and Mary Thomas  
Alice Wilson  
Elizabeth Wheler  
Hannah Ware  
John and Eliz. Hedger  
Margaret Tillara  
George Codd  
Bridget Cotion  
Elizabeth Chettham  
Mary Cole  
Mary Copinger  
Mary Chetham  
Ann Chandler  
John and Ann Coleman  
Mary Dawson  
William Harper  
John & Elizabeth Hedges  
Mary Hill  
Ann Holbrook  
Dorothy Howes  
Gatherine Flower  
Elizabeth Johnson  
Sarah Kea●h  
Elizabeth Leek  
Elizabeth Michael.  
Tho. and Jane Pettit  
Elizabeth Fartree  
Ann Raye  
Temperance Reed  
Mary Reves  
William and Eliz. Smith  
Susanna Stuobs  
Millicent S●●ll  
Marry Swan  
Elizabeth Watts  
Mary Vincent  
Ann Watte  
Elizabeth White  
Mary White  
John and Mary Pannell   

And some C●r●ed, Viz  
Dorithy Furlon  
John and Judith Frost  
Mary Fairfax  
Thomas & Alice Gibbons  
William Groves  
Sarah Gorry  
Mary Gayrish  
Mary Garret  
John Durnhil  
John Hix Alias Hurst  
Many Harris  
Mary Hall  
John and Mary Hind  
Geo. and Mary Harrel  
Mary Jones  
Peter & Elizabeth King  
Mary Knight  
John & Elizabeth Long  
Marry Moor  
Marry Pa●mer  
Ann Mack  
Alice Randoll  
Sarah Rose  
Mary Randford  
Elizabeth Star  
Susan Spritgfield  
Arrundel Turner  
Elizabeth Topta  
Elizabeth Tailor  
Dorothy Williams  
Elizabeth Williams  
Elizabeth Whores  
Ann Winchcomb  
James Delafoy   

Night Walkers and Plyers in Bawdy Houses, all or most of whom have been Whipped in Bridewell this Year.  
Elizabeth Bates  
Elizabeth Bissel  
Elizabeth Brown  
Lydia Buckler  
Martha Bolt  
Mary Carr  
Mary Carol  
Jane Desow  
Susann● Edward's  
Elizabeth eliot  
Dorothy Flander  
Ann Goulding  
Elizabeth Harris  
Sarah Hilliard  
Margaret He●ger  
Elizabeth Hedger  
Elizabeth Heath  
Ann Kettle  
Mary Kempe  
Katherine Lewis  
Elizabeth Mills  
Jane Peter's  
Ann Preston  
Ann Palmer  
Elizabeth Salmon  
Mary Turner  
Martha Tucker  
Ann Vicar  
Catherine Chilver  
Hannah Ribbey  
Mary White  
Elizabeth Thome  
Hannah powel  
Elizabeth Lee  
Mary Madson  
Jane Glover  
Mary Jenkins  
Susanna Yates  
Jane Bayley  
Ann Bonuss  
Mary Bennet  
Marry Baker  
Katherine Dodd  
Mary Dupper  
Martha Davis  
Mercy Dickenson  
Jane Gloves  
Elizabeth Green  
Elizabeth Guinea  
Aun Harress  
Derothy Hall  
Marcha Harison  
Hannab Jackson  
Alice Jones  
Martha Morgan  
Elizabeth Messenger  
Ann Pearce  
Elizabeth Partre  
Elizabeth Poor  
Ann Sheldrick  
Elizabeth Smith  
Sarah Slaughter  
Mary Tanner  
Judith Trumbold  
Mary Trvelove  
Sarah Varrey  
Susadna Wilson  
Mary West  
Mary Osborne  
Frances Haughting  
Frances Palms  
Patience Webs  
Mary Jeffreys  
Elizabeth Prince  
Alice Springfield  
— Phendal  
Marry Gibbs Alice Gibbs  
— Stanley  
Marry Peach  
Isabel Good●in  
Elizabeth Bird  
Mary Haughton  
Alias Haughtry  
Thomys Newton  
John Stow  
Ann Green  
Sarah Moon  
Alias Thompson  
Marry Downing  
Katherine Lewis  
Wid. Wing  
Tho. Gibbon  
Ann Morris  
Alias Haber  
John Lockyer  
Edward Newby  
— Wynn  
Margaret Tylard  
Mary Kind  
Mrs Oram  
Mary Clark  
— Gatton  
Marry Raughby  
Alias Haughton  
Alice Gobbons  
William Monday  
George Peter  
Katherine Moor  
Ann Worball  
Mary Long  
Mary Summer  
Ann Worrel  
Isabel Perry  
Alice Springfield  
Hugh Wilkinsou  
Lucy Michael  
Mrs. Arran  
Mary Tauner  
Mary D.  
George Peacock  
Samuel Jones  
Ann Jones  
Ann Newman  
Elizabeth Pierce  
Sarah Jefferis  
Hugh Wilkinson  
Ann Londay  
Jobe Laud  
Margaret Smith  
Hanna Lewis.  
Ann Reed   

January 1612/3;  
Sarah Ellis  
Wm. Griffeth  
Thomas Bowater  
Ann Worrel  
Martha Flitcher  
Mary White  
Johanna Playshad  
Mary Osbourne  
Rainshorow  
Mary Kempe  
Mary Stevens  
Marry Baker  
Mary Alderman  
Alice Fendal  
Mary Clark  
Ann Slaughter  
Elizabeth Gouge  
Mary Reed  
Rebecca Bowman  
Lucy Basely  
Martha Griffen  
Rebecca Foster  
Jane Bluit  
Elizabeth Prince  
Sarah Cook  
Sarah Lacie   
FINIS.   


Books lately Printed for John Dunton.  
THE First Volume of the French Book of Martyrs, Published with her Majesty's Royal Privilege: The Second Volume is already in the Press, and the Third and Fourth preparing for it, those that expect any advantage by the Proposals made concerning this Work, must send in there Subscriptions by the 10th of next March, or otherwise 'twill he to late: Proposals are to be had of the Undertaker, John Dunton, and of most Booksellers in London and the Country.  
Bishop Barlow's Remains: Containing near an hundred distinct Subjects, Theological, Philosophical, Historical, etc. in Letters to several persons of Honour and Quality. To which is added the Resolution of many abstruse points: As also directions to a Young Divine for his Study of Divinity, and Choice of his Library, Published from his Lordship's Original Papers.  
The Orders of the Helvetian Church, etc. Translated into English, by John Conrade Werndly, Minister of Wrasbury, and recommended to the Public by Six Reverend Bishops.  
The Tragedies of Sin, by Stephen Jay, late Rector of Chinner.  
Casuistical Morning Exercises, the 4th Volume, by several Ministers in and about London.  
Heads of agreement assented to by the United Ministers.  
The Life of the Reverend Mr Brand, by D. Samuel Annesley.  
Practical Discourses on Sickness and Recovery, by Timothy Rogers M. A.  
The Life and Death of Mr. Eliot, the First Preacher of the Gospel to the Indians in America, the 3d Edition.  
An earnest Call to Family Reformation. Price 6 d. or 50 of them for 10 s. to those Gentlemen that buy them to Disperse.  
A Narrative of the extraordinary Cure of Mrs. Savages crocked Hand, Published by consent of her Husband, and attested by him and several other credible Witnesses.  
Funeral Discourses in several Texts, by John Shower.   

Books in the Press, and designed for it, printed for John Dunton.  
THE Lord faulkland's Works, Secretary of State to King Charles I.  
Mr. Will. Leiburns new Mathematical Tracts in Follo.  
A continuation of Morning Exercise, Questions and Cases of Conscience the Second Edition.  
A Discourse of the Trinity, by John Mauduit. Minister at Tooring.