Address them to your Ladyship: and fince it is ufual, among Authors, to prefix fome Great Name to their Labours, I could not decently avoid Complying with the Cuftom; efpecially having one in my View that fully Answers the Character.

There are diverfe Reasons that moved me to this Dedication, and which, indeed, left me no Liberty of Choice; and they are as many as my Obligations, and the Favours you have done me: yet, were I able to produce no other, this might be fufficient, That the following Sheets, were Compofed in your Ladyfhip's own Family, and had the Honour of your Audience: Durft I add also your Efteem, I should

not

not much doubt of a general Approbation. However, I have now an Opportunity, to make my Publick Acknowledgements, by this Teftimony of my Gratitude.

Madam, I am fenfible, that in Addresses of this Nature, 'tis not Eafy, to Speak great Things, even of Great Perfons, without incurring the Impuration of Flattery: But I hope your Ladyship knows me better, than to believe I can be Guilty of fuch a mean Defign: And as I must publickly declare my felf an Enemy to that common Crime, fo I cannot forbear Thinking, That to say lefs here, would be an Injury to Juftice; and a with-holding Honour from you, to whom Honour

is

1

is due. Thofe, indeed, who are Strangers to your Ladyship, may be Ignorant of Tour Vertues and Accomplishments, which an Eminent State of Life, has Improved to a Degree, above common Obfervation. But all that have the Happinefs to know You, are Senfible of the Effects of Your Goodness; and will readily Confefs, That Your Works do abundantly Praise You in the Gates. But I must beg Pardon of Your Ladyfhip, for faying thus much, though with great Truth and Sincerity.

As to my Performance, in the following Sheets; when I confider the Variety of Tempers, and Capacities, that are to be met with

al

al in the World, I am inclined to Think The reading of a few foort and plain Sermons, fuch as mine are, may prevail on fome, who, either do not fee, or take little Notice of more Choice and Excellent Compofures: For which Reafon, I would Hope to be Forgiven fuch a publick Attempt, by All that know, The next Pleafure to that of doing Good, is to Endeavour it.

2

All that I fhall now add, is, my Humble Requeft, That You will be pleas'd to accept this fmall Oblation; hoping, That what is contain'd in't,may afford Your Ladyship, and others, fome Satisfaction, and be an Entertainment, fometimes, in Tour Retirement; where Tou im

ploy

ploy Your Time in the best Exercifes. Which will, one Day, be infinitely Rewarded; When for doing much Good here in this World, You shall be taken into the unSpeakable Felicity of a Better. Which is the Prayer of,

MADAM,

Your Honour's most Oblig'd,

most Humble, and Obedient

Servant and Chaplain,

Fohn Havett.

SERMON