Application 4

USE IV. Let it be of Exhortation, and that in three words.

1. Let every one endeavour the suppression and extirpation of this Evil. This we should do, by labouring to pray it down. When we are taught to pray that the Name of God may be ⟨p. 29⟩hallowed, therein is implied, That we must pray that this and other such like Evils, whereby his glorious Name is much dishonoured, may be suppressed. And there are some that ought to do more then merely to pray against it; Ministers must bear witness against it in their way: and it concerns those that have any Civil Power in their hands, to bear witness against it in their way. If there were Magistrates in this Assembly, I would speak to them in his Name by whom Kings reign, and Princes decree Justice, and all the Judges of the Earth, and Exhort them to draw forth the Sword of Justice against this Evil. There are sundry of you that stand in some public Capacity, Townsmen, Constables, Grand Jurymen, &c. Behold, the Word of the Lord is unto you in particular this day, I lay the solemn Charge of God upon you, that you do your utmost towards the suppression of this abounding iniquity: Kill this Serpent, before it be grown too big for you. And therefore take heed that there be not through your means, or through your neglect, that which is the Fountain of this Evil; I mean, that there be not a Multiplication of Taverns, and Ale-houses, or the like, more then there is need for. I know that in such a great Town as this, there is need of such Houses, and no sober Minister will speak against the Licensing of them; but I with there be not more of them then there is any need of. Especially see that you keep a vigilant eye over these private, dark Alehouses, which do more mischief, then all the public Houses do good, as being the very Sinks of Sin, whereby Youth is woefully corrupted amongst us. And if you find out any that have made a Trade of this iniquity, and that have got part of their Living by the blood and destruction of precious Souls, see that you bring them forth to condign punishment; and as they have been exemplary in sinning, so let them be brought under exemplary punishment, that all Israel may hear, and fear, and do no more so wickedly.