This discourse is very severe upon all "Houses where God is not served," and defines them as gaming-houses, drinking-houses, houses where troops and harlots assemble. "If the Worshipful Justices, and the Constables, and the Tythingmen, would Invigorate their zeal, to Rout the Villanous Haunts of those Houses, the whole Town would be vastly the Safer for it." All that can be said of these curious discourses is that they are a strange medley of declamation, fanaticism, and exhortation, not lacking in thought perhaps, or devoid of sense, but rather insinuating than direct and sensible. The author does not print his name, though they purport to be Boston Lectures, one delivered in 1695 and the other in 1698: it is understood, however, that they were by the Rev. Cotton Mather. X. REMARKABLE PROCLAMATIONS. FAST DAY. The first proclamation, issued on a broadside, that we have seen, is that of March, 1743, "for a public fast." It is issued by Gov. Shirley, and begins, "It being our constant and indispensable duty by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to make known our requests to God," &c. He then appoints the 12th of April ensuing to be observed as a day of general fasting and prayer. After acknowledging "all our heinous and aggravated offences," the people are required to implore the Divine mercy for "the following blessings, namely," the life and health of "Our Sovereign Lord the King;" the prosperity of his government; that he would direct and grant success to his Majesty's arms in the present war, and prevent a further rupture among the nations; in behalf of the Prince and Princess of Wales; and that "it would please God to cover and defend the English plantations, more especially this Province," &c. Given at the Council Chamber, signed, &c., and ending "God save the King." "WAR AGAINST THE FRENCH KING." The next proclamation which we have is not probably much known, and not such as were issued by the governors of the Provinces or States, but is a "Declaration of war against the French King." It purports to be issued originally from "Our Court at St. James's, the twenty-ninth day of March, 1744, in the 17th year of our reign." "God save the King." "Printed in London by Thomas Baskett and Robert Baskett, printers to the King's most excellent Majesty, 1744." "Boston, N. E. reprinted by John Draper, Printer to His Excellency the Governor and Council, 1774."