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obtain, my pleading nothing for their Publication will not, I hope, render 'em the less useful.

The Caufe I have mention'd, as hindering the Efficacy of the Word Preach'd, are very common, and within the Reach of almost every one's Obfervation. I have open'd them with a juft Freedom and Plainnels; becaufe People are fo backward to apply things as they ought, that unless their Pictures are drawn pretty near to the Life, they will not think themselves concern'd; and indeed hardly if they be.

But if after the Reading of what is deliver'd under each Article in the fors mer Part of that Difcourfe, Perfons would lay their Hands upon their Breafts, and cooly examine, whether they don't find their own Cafe to be touch'd; and then reflect upon the Unreasonableness of continuing therein, (in doing which, thofe Thoughts I have fuggefted upon every Particular in the latter Part of the fame Difcourse, may affift them) If, I fay, they would do thus, they might perhaps be brought to a Sight, and Senle of their own Faults; be prevail'd upon to amend their Behaviour; and become more pro

fitable

fitable Hearers of the Word Preach'd for the future.

If what is bere offer'd to the World, proves inftrumental in promoting the Good of others, let God have their Praifes, and me have their Prayers; and then my Trouble will me most amply Rewarded.

THE

felf to your Lordship, and humbly defiring your Acceptancee of the following Difcourfes; as a true, tho' a fmall Token of that great Efteem and Affection I ought always to bear you.

Your Lordship's Kindnefs to me upon your first Knowledge of me, the frequent fignal Repetitions ofit prefently after, and the continuance of it hitherto, have for ever endear'd year Lordhip to me, and shall never be forgotten by me. At the fame Time, I cannot but look upon, and value this Leave, to mention your Lordfhip's Favours as a great Enhancement of

them all.

And should I enlarge upon your Lordfhip's hearty Love for your Country, your Zeal for the Proteftant Interest, your Affection for the glorious Defender of it, and his Royal Progeny, together with the reft of those Accomplishments which attend, illustrate, and adorn every Relation of Life you fuftain, 'twould be no more than what is justly due to your Lordship.

But fince Those who beft deferve Praise, are leaft defirous of it, and most apt to be difgufted with it, therefore for fear of offending where I am particularly ambitious of pleasing, I must deny myfelf the Satisfaction of taking any farther

Notice,

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