use of it.” “My Lord,” added Howe, “I have a great deal more reason to thank your Lordship for saving me the most difficult part of a discourse, which is the application.”[430] Intemperance, increasing from the time of the Restoration, continued to extend its curses towards the close of the eighteenth century; old public-houses attracted more customers than ever, and many new ones were opened, the money spent in this way by the lower classes reaching an incredible amount.[431] Sober people lamented that their neighbours were, with temperance, losing also that kindliness of temper which had been prevalent amongst Englishmen. [Sidenote: SUPERSTITION.] The shock of an earthquake in September, 1692, alarmed the nation, and made “those who studied apocalyptical matters imagine that the end of the world drew near.” Burnet tells us it brought people “to more of an outward face of virtue and sobriety;” but, in his apprehension, they “became deeply corrupted in principle; a disbelief of revealed religion, and a profane mocking at the Christian faith and the mysteries of it, became avowed and scandalous.” Orders were given to execute the laws against drunkenness, swearing, and the profanation of the Lord’s-day; and, consequently, loud complaints arose of Puritanical regulations, savouring of John Knox’s doctrine and discipline. Blame for this was laid on the Bishop of Salisbury’s shoulders; and to make the whole thing appear ridiculous, a noble commentator on the right reverend historian, relates that hackney-coaches were not allowed to be used on the Sabbath, and constables were directed to take away pies and puddings from anybody who might be carrying them through the streets.[432] Popular opinion in reference to supernatural agencies requires some notice, and presents signs of both mental stagnation and mental progress. Many were in a state of superstition as immovable as that of their fathers, believing in the reality, and smitten with the terrors, of diabolical possession and infernal witchcraft. Even towards the end of William’s reign, the diocese of Worcester was infected with this kind of faith; and the Bishop, Dr. Lloyd--who succeeded Stillingfleet--urged his Clergy to preach against errors respecting Satanic agency, indicating to them his own views on the subject. He did not doubt the extraordinary power of the Devil over heathen nations in ancient and modern times; but he thought the Gospel had diminished his power; that those who were in the covenant of grace could not be injured by him, either in their persons, their possessions, or their children; nevertheless he admitted that a man, by profligacy, might yield himself to the great enemy, but could not receive from him supernatural help to hurt anybody else.[433]