THE most deplorable Degeneracy of this Nation in its Morals, occasioned by the Encouragement, which for many years together, (for a well-known Reason) was given to Vice, raised in the minds of serious People, very strong Apprehensions of approaching Judgments; and accor­dingly very great ones came down upon us; and Two such, as no Age hath parallell'd in these Kingdoms, within a few years after the Return of King Charles. But those having produced nothing of Reformation, they were followed with others from time to time; and these likewise being lost upon us, at length we had all the rea­son in the World to look for the heaviest Calamities that could be­fal us, viz. Popery and Slavery; but when these were at the door and just entring, so infinitely Merciful was He to us, Whose ways are not as our ways, nor whose thoughts as ours, as strangely to surprize us with a happy Deliverance.

And the blessed Instrument thereof, with His most Virtuous Con­sort, being by God's wonderful Providence plac'd on the Throne, never were so great Hopes conceived as now, of an effectual Re­formation,

But alas, in a short time it was too apparent, that this Delive­rance [Page 6] came too soon, to be much valued by such a People, as ge­nerally We were. It found us miserably unqualified to receive it, and the Returns we have made to the Divine Goodness for it, speak us no less unworthy of the continuance of it. For neither hath the First Part of the Deliverance, nor the many amazing things God Almighty hath since done, both at home and abroad, towards the perfecting and securing thereof, had any visible good Effect upon us. But those Vices which before reigned, and cryed to Heaven for Vengeance, do reign still as much as ever; and those who were filthy before, let God use never so powerful Means for the cleansing of them, will be filthy still; as if, to speak in the Prophets Language, They had made a Covenant with Death, and were at an Agreement with Hell.

And whereas we have very good Laws for the suppressing of Vice, I will not say how very few have hitherto shewed, any thing of Zeal or an hearty Concern (notwithstanding the highest Obli­gation) for the Execution of them: Nor from how many nothing is to be expected, but an extream Aversness to a Reformation.

But to come to the Business of these Papers: Certain pious Gentle­men, all of the Church of England, laying greatly to heart these things, resolved to make Tryal, whether any thing could be done, towards the giving a Check to Debauchery and Profaneness; and joyntly agreed upon this following Method for the Reforming of Offenders in those Two most scandalous Instances, by due Course of Law, viz.

First, To endeavour the procuring of a Letter from the Queen (the King being then absent) to the Justices of the Peace for the Coun­ty of Middlesex, requiring them to put the Laws in Execution against Drunkenness, Ʋncleanness, Swearing, Cursing, Profanation of the Lords Day, &c.

Secondly, To endeavour the obtaining a good Order of Sessions to be made thereon. And Her Majesty having (like Her self) most chear­fully [Page 7] granted the humble Request of the Lord Bishop of Worcester, for such a Letter; and having accordingly sent a very pious and pressing one to those Justices; and the Justices having thereupon publish't an exceeding good Order, These Gentlemen, encouraged with this good Success;

Thirdly, Made it their Request to many of their Acquaintance, whom they knew to be Sober and Religious Persons, to give Infor­mation to some Justice of the Peace, of all Offences of the foremen­tioned Nature, which they should observe to be committed; as by the Order of Sessions they are encouraged to do.

And that all possible Ease might be given to the Informers, the Justices, and their Clerks:

1. They Printed Blank-Warrants against the several Offences.

2. They procured divers Persons (to the Number of Eighteen or Twenty) inhabiting in convenient places of the City and Suburbs, to fill up such Warrants, as the Case should happen to be; for the Informers, who should carry the same to the Justice; by which means he would have nothing more to do, but to Examine them upon Oath, and Sign and Seal the said Warrants. And,

3. To ease the Justices Servant of the trouble of carrying every Warrant to the proper Officer, the Informer was to take his Warrant back with him to the Person who filled it up; from whom there was care taken to have it received & executed; as will appear presently.

That the Penalties might be duly applyed to the use of the Poor, and not imbezel'd by the Constables or Church-wardens, they took this Method.

1. They directed every Person who filled up the Warrants, to keep an Account or Register of the several Offenders Names, the Offence of each, the Time when, and Place where each Offence was com­mitted: [Page 8] And, when the Informer had brought him back the War­rant, to insert also the Name of the Magistrate, before whom each Conviction was made;

2. They appointed a special Messenger, and paid him well for his pains, to Collect all the said Warrants and Registers weekly; and, after they were sorted, to carry them out again to the proper Offi­cers of the several Parishes where they were to be executed; and to insert the Names of the several Constables, to whom each of the said Warrants should be delivered, in the said Registers.

3. They prepared an Abstract of these Registers, to be presented to the Justices at their Petty-Sessions, for the enabling them to call e­very Constable to an Account, how he had executed the several War­rants he was Charged with in that Register; and to what Church-warden he had payd the Penalties by him levyed.

4. A short Account was to be taken out of all those Abstracts, by which to Charge the several Church-wardens, at the making up of their Accounts with all the Money by them received on those War­rants, in order to their sending it to the several Vestries once a Year.

And lastly, To awaken all good Christians throughout the King­dom, Whether Magistrates or private Persons, to a vigorous endea­vour for a Reformation of Manners, They set the good Example of the Justices of Middlesex, and the following as good a one, of the Lord Mayor of London, and Court of Aldermen, before the rest of the Nation. For which purpose they caused the Orders of the said Sessions and Court, to be Printed in a smaller Character; and of these they sent several Thousands throughout the Kingdom, viz. To most Parliament-Men, Mayors, Bayliffs, Justices of the Peace, Ministers, Coffee-houses, &c. and the Printing and Postage too were wholly at their own Charge.

And, Thanks be to God, they quickly saw-extraordinary good Effects hereof, in the excellent Orders of the like nature, made by [Page 9] the Cities of York, &c. And by the Counties of Surrey, Hertford, Buckingham, Bedford, Sussex, Gloucester, the North-Riding of York­shire, and divers others, of which many have been printed.

And there was perceived in a little time very good Success of their Endeavours at home, by the manifest ceasing in a great measure of the Profanation of the Lords Day; and the Awe that appeared up­on many Common Swearers and Drunkards, who either felt, or had Notice of, the Execution of the Laws against such Offenders.

But for as much as another sort of Informers, who had been so busie a few Years since, htah made that Name odious to inconside­rate People; and that the restraining of Licenciousness, is ever ex­treamly grievous to the Licencious, 'twas necessary that the Justice should be desired by the Informer to conceal his Name from the Of­fender: There having been too many Instances of late, not un­known to the Justices, of those, who, instead of amending by the gentle Punishment of one Sin, have added more to it, by reeking their Revenge on such as Informed against them, with great Barba­rity. I say the concealing the Informers Name, for this Reason, ought to be judged necessary; especially when he is ready to appear, and prove the Fact to the Face of the Offender, in case he persists in the denial of it. And Care was taken, that in this case the Informer should adventure to appear, although the Law doth not oblige to it; as will be seen anon.

This is an exactly true, but imperfect Narrative of the undertak­ing of these Gentlemen; and is it possible it should need a Vindicati­on? Who would not now wonder that such a Word as this should be seen in our Title-Page? For can there be a Nobler Design laid, than that which is directly and solely for the Advancement of the Publick Good? And is not that Good, which comprehends both the Spiritual and Temporal Interest of the Publick, the incomparably greatest Publick Good? And is not he a Brnte who needs to be told, that the Reformation of Mankind, and Running down of Vice, is such a Good as contains in it both these Interests? But this was the onely Design of this Undertaking. And it hath been shewed, that it was not limited to the Reformation of one City, or one County, but it ex­tended [Page 10] to the whole Kingdom. And a due Countenance from those who are principally obliged to encourage it, must needs cause it to have in time, an happy Influence upon both the other Kingdoms. And Then, how much farther in the World it may by Gods blessing reach, HE only knows.

Moreover, these Gentlemen were so far from designing to serve Themselves by this Vndertaking, that, as they were not capable of getting one Penny for their pains, so they expended in the car­rying of it on, considerable Sums out of their own Purses.

Nor can they with any Justice or Charity be censured, as design­ing the Applause of the Sober and Virtuous part of the Nation, (as highly as they deserve it) for we are wholly beholden to their Ene­mies for our knowledge of so much as One of the Undertakers, or of the Undertaking it self. And those who received the Printed Or­ders all over the Kingdom, were perfectly Ignorant from whose hands they came.

And as to the foresaid Method they agreed on, for the Managing of this Design, it as little needs a Vindication as the Design it self; and is so far from being lyable to be taxed with Imprudence, that I (for my part) must needs profess, I greatly admire the Wisdom of the Contrivance. I Challenge those who dare to Reproach it, to shew Any Project better fitted for the Attainment of its End, than this throughout is. 'Tis scarce Civil to desire them to Mend it Them­selves, since there is no Employment they can be more Averse to.

In short, 'tis a lamentable Instance of the Debauchery of the Age, That it is not a piece of great Impertinence to publish a Vindication of Such an Vndertaking. But so it is, That the Clamours of De­linquents, which, where they are readily received, shall never be wanting, served for an Occasion to Certain Gentlemen, whose Own Conversations will not suffer them to be reconciled to the thoughts of a General Reformation, to Calumniate it, with the Persons con­cerned in it; and to do their utmost to Overthrow it. All the Tales of punish'd Ale-House-keepers and other Criminals, were by Them immediately received as Gospel, when told by such dis-interessed and unbyast people; and hereupon they fall to Work. And no Won­der, [Page 11] for if the Prince of Darkness had not Now bestirr'd himself, to Baffle a Design so directly levelled against his Kingdom, this would doubtless have been the very First time of his being unconcern'd up­on such an Occasion.

And First these Persons satisfied themselves a while with playing at Small Game; and among other most Notorious Untruths, they gave it out with great assurance, That there was a wonderfully gain­ful Office lately set up in Lincolns Inn, where Hundreds of Pounds were already gotten by the Erecters of it. And what great pity is it, provided the Tempting Wages could have reconciled them to such Loathsom Work, that Themselves had no interest in the Stock going there? By my consent, they should have had Shares Gratis upon that condition; nay, could they have been hired thereby not to Hinder Business, the Founders of the Office should have done all the Drudge­ry, and They should have all the Gains, but that the Poor ran away with every Farthing.

And, by the way, the Informers too who were engaged in this Undertaking, refused to receive a penny of the Penalties in those Cases wherein the Law alloweth them the Third part. They desi­red no other Reward for so good a Work, than what they are sure to have in the Other World, and would have only their Labour for their Pains in This.

And when it appeared to every body by the Form of the Warrants, that the Constables were to pay the Money they had Levyed upon Offenders, to the Church-Wardens, for the use of the Poor, the fore­said persons found that a Lye could do them very little Service, which was every whit as easily detected as told.

And now from Talking they proceed to Action, and 'tis well known how the First Blow was given to this Undertaking; though several Worthy Justices of the Peace, to their Honour be it spoken, heartily interposed for the prevention of it.

In order to it, they in the first place fell very heavily on Mr. Hart­ley, a virtuous person, who had given as a Justice, all possible en­couragement to this Best of Works. He was loaded with diverse Accusations of Injustice in his Proceedings; and those on which the greatest Weight was laid, were the Two following, wh [...] [...] [Page 12] Reader may judge of the rest. And perhaps they were both True as to matter of Fact, whatever they were as to their Faul­tiness.

One was, That in one of his Warrants the Name of the Landlord of an Ale House was inserted instead of the Tenant's who kept the House.

The other, That in another Warrant a Woman was called by the Name of her dead Husband, after she was again Married.

Now as to the Former, it is said, That the Landlord also liv'd in the House; so that 'twas unknown to many which of them was Ma­ster of it: However, the House was ascertained in the Warrant, and the Offence against the Law, there committed, positively Sworn to

And as to the Latter, 'Tis ordinary among the meaner sort, to call Women, at least for some time after their second Marriages, by the Names of their former Husbands: And those who had not heard of the Husbands death, might without any great Offence presume him to be still Living. Nor was it necessary that all who knew of his Death, should know that his Widow was a Wife again.

These are the only Objections which we find particularly assign'd against Mr. Hartley's proceedings, and therefore Unpardonable Faults no doubt! But the best of it is, they were the Informer's not the Justice's. But can any one of those who have made such ado with these two Trifles, make any body believe that His Justiceship (if he be in Commission) was never so imposed on? He hath had very little Custom, or very great Luck, if it never was. But old Aesop hath helpt us to a true Proverb: It is an easie thing to find a Staff to beat a Dog. But suppose these Two were Culpable Mistakes, for want of due Caution, as those who have made such mighty matters of them, can't think them so in the Justice, and scarcely in the In­formers: I wish they would seriously consider, what means that Question of our Blessed Saviour; Why beholdest thou the Mote which is in thy Brothers Eye, and perceivest not the Bean that is in thine Own Eye? O how happy would it be for, especially some of Them, were They chargeable with no worse Mistakes, or lay they under the scandal of nothing worse than Mistakes!

Such Little things as These, and which are as soon rectified as per­ceived, [Page 13] would be easily over-look't for the sake of the Great­ness and Nobleness of the Undertaking, by all such as heartily desire a Reformation; nay, by those who are but able to bear the thoughts of it: Nay, one would think too, by those who, though they would fain have none, have so much Modesty remaining, as to be ashamed Openly to Oppose it. Which sure none can have the impious Bravery to do, but such as would make a true Story of the Fiction of the Giants, by designedly fighting against GOD Himself, if they believe there is one. And as it is eminently HIS Cause in which these Pious Gentlemen engaged themselves; so no Christian can doubt, nor scarce a hearty Theist, whether God hath a Special Hand in all Undertakings of this nature; nor whether those who are employed in them are HIS Instruments; Called, Spirited and Assisted by Him: I mean on supposition, that they carry on their Work by Lawful means, and transgress not the Bounds of those Stations in which Providence hath placed them. But Malice it self may be defied to shew any one Instance, where­in these persons (the Undertakers I mean) have not strictly kept to the observance of Humane, as well as the Divine Laws; or acted out of their own Sphere.

It is evident by the foresaid Narrative, that there was nothing in their Undertaking, but what they had at least Liberty from our Laws to do, nay, a Commission (I mean a general one) from GOD to do; and the Queens Commission too, may be easily made out of Her Majesties most Gracious Letter, for what they have done; could they stand in any need of it.

As to any particular Objections against any part of the Pro­ceedings of either the Undertakers or the Informers, the World will quickly be satisfied by a better hand, that they are both tri­fling and false; and therefore I will wholly wave them. Mr. Hart­ley will be also Vindicated from the other Objections made against him in the Execution of his Office; but I cannot forbear to touch upon Two more of These.

One was, That he play'd the Busy-Body in Acting out of his own Division. And 'tis true, that he did So act, but not that he was a [Page 14] Busy-Body in so doing. For, as he did it not but when 'twas Ne­cessary, so he had expresly Violated his Justices Oath, if he had re­fused it.

The Other was, his Convicting Offenders, without bringing Them and their Accusers face to face. Now, besides what hath been said to This already, which shews the necessity of his frequently so do­ing, so the Law ought not to be understood as being against it: For the same Magna Charta which saith, That No man shall be Con­demned Ʋnheard; saith also, That No man shall be disseized of his Goods or Life, but by a Tryal per Pares, that is, by a Jury of Twelve Men; and if in This an Act of Parliament hath dispensed as to Goods, by impowering one Justice to Convict and to Levy by Di­stress, it may well be construed so to do in the Former Clause; especially when there is no proportion between the Crime and the Punishment: I mean, when the Crime is very Great, and the Punishment as Little; and This not to be inflicted but by a so­lemn Conviction upon the Oath of a Credible person, and in some cases of Two; and the Oaths likewise of such, as get not one Far­thing of the Penalty.

This is as much as we design to say, relating to the First Blow that was given to this Undertaking. A Second soon followed it, and this proved a Smart one. And Gods will be done, if there is no remedy to be had. But there is little likelihood of Any, should Good Men be so sheepish, as to conceal, or only vent to one ano­ther, their sorrowful Resentment of fierce Oppositions to Reforma­tion, and such an open Contempt as is now cast upon the best of Queens, in discountenancing a Design so well adapted to the pro­moting of the Business of her Excellent Letter; and of the great Encouragement given to Licencious publick Houses; [...]ops [...]ent [...]ar­ [...] of several in­stances of which, diverse Bishops, to their no small Trouble, have been Ear-Witnesses.

There is an Objection which hath been too often made against the Restraining of such Houses, viz. That their Majesties Excise will be greatly Lessened by this means. But who is able to think it can be Grateful to such a King and Queen as we are now Bless't with, [Page 15] to have Their Revenue enlarged by the Sins of Their People? Who can be Ignorant, that there is nothing they would more A­bominate? Or that their Majesties do not need to be told, that their Revenue must most certainly be exceedingly diminished by the Po­verty of their Subjects; And nothing is more observed, than that that Multitudes of them do every year bring Themselves and Fa­milies to a Morsel of Bread, by being permitted so much Drink; expresly contrary to our Laws, which lay great Restraints upon Drinking-houses, and Drinkers in them; not only on Sundays, but the Week-dayes too.

Possibly some may object against the Matter of these Pages, that Advice of the Poet:

And censure it as too Heady an Act, now Vice is so Rampant, thus to expose our selves to the Rage of the Vicious.

But it may be replyed, That whosoever is heartily concerned at Vice's being now so Rampant, must have the Soul of a Nit, if he fears looking it in the Face in such a Reign as this. If he be more afraid of Debauchees and Profane Persons in King William's and Q. Mary's Reign, than many were of Papists and Jesuites in King James's. Or apprehends more danger in Attacquing those now, than these then, without the Leave of a Licenser.

And as to the Governments having any Reason to be afraid of provoking them, I add to what is said in the Preface, that Vice is a Dastardly Cow-hearted, thing, and always sneaks when bravely born up to; having nothing to plead in its own Defence. But could vicious Men invent any thing to say for themselves, they are still self-condemned. Their Vices also make them too soft and effe­minate, to carry on with any Vigour a dangerous Design. Nor can they confide in one another, in laying a Conspiracy, as having no Principle to secure Fidelity: So that there is not the least Fear of [Page 16] their being too hard for the sober part of the Nation; of which I hope there are an Hundred to one on the side of the Government.

Were those who bear an implacable Enmity to any thing of Re­formation, onely injurious to their own Souls, the Charity we have for them, might have forbidden us to be silent, upon such an occasi­on as is now given us; much less then can we have any Tempta­tion to be shy of Offending them, when we consider how ex­treamly the Publick, and Their Majesties Great Affairs have suffe­red by them, and are still like to suffer; and what heavy Judg­ments ought to be expected from a most highly Provoked God, for the Toleration of so much Wickedness, after as great Obligati­ons as ever were laid upon a Nation.

Now the Third Time draws on a pace, when He, who is the Light of our Eyes, and the Breath of our Nostrile, designs to ex­pose his Sacred Person for our Safety, and the Well-fare of all Christendom, to such Dangers as nothing but the Courage of a Matchless Heroe could encounter: And therefore 'tis more than time, that a more effectual Course than ever be taken to run down those Enemies at home (our Reigning Sins) which may do, thro' God's just Judgment, our Potent Enemy abroad more Service, than all the Preparations he hath made against us. And in Order there­unto, to take all possible Care, that none be intrusted with the Bu­siness of Reforming others, who need as much as any to be Reform­ed themselves. As also to give all Encouragement to those, whose hearts God hath inclined to give their Helping Hand to a Work of such Absolute Necessity. We may be much afraid to think of the King's again leaving us, before this be done, or at least a doing.