The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Exhortation \Ex`hor*ta"tion\, n. [L. exhortatio: cf. F.
   exhortation.]
   1. The act of practice of exhorting; the act of inciting to
      laudable deeds; incitement to that which is good or
      commendable.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Language intended to incite and encourage; advice;
      counsel; admonition.
      [1913 Webster]

            I'll end my exhortation after dinner. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

exhortation
    n 1: a communication intended to urge or persuade the recipients
         to take some action
    2: the act of exhorting; an earnest attempt at persuasion [syn:
       exhortation, incitement]