Thankfulness in grain: or a good life the best return. Delivered in another sermon on the same occasion in St. Dionis, Back-Church, Aug. 14. 1653. By Nath. Hardy, Master of Arts, and preacher to that parish.

To the Right Worthy, and his much Honoured Lady, the Lady Mary Saltingstall, present prosperity, and future felicity.

Good Madam,

I Have now fulfilled your desire in pub∣lishing these weak notions. I hope you will pardon me that withall I fulfill my own desire, which is by these lines to let the World know my singular obligations to your Ladyship.

Among those many graces which adorn your truly Christian life, your cordial love to the Or∣thodox Dispensers of the Gospel, is not the least; and it is so much the more amiable, because in this apostatizing age, wherein the love of many waxeth cold towards, and the rage of some groweth hot a∣gainst them.

Indeed as for my own particular I have far less reason to complain than many others of my Brethren, and those far more deserving than my self; it ha∣ving pleased Almighty God both to restrain my Enemies, and multiply my Friends beyond expecta∣tion.

And truly, next to the infinite goodness of my God (which I desire for ever to celebrate) and the no less faithfull than skilfull endeavours of my wor∣thy Physicians (which I shall alwaies acknowledge) I must attribute my late (almost miraculous) reco∣very,

to the fervent intercessions of my affectionate Friends at the Throne of Grace on my behalf.

To them all I return my hearty thanks, and pro∣mise my daily prayers for them, and more especially for you (my honoured Lady) whom I have reason to esteem as none of the meanest among them, That your health may be prolonged, and your troubles ended, your Children blessed, and your comforts en∣larged; finally, that you may sparkle as a Diamond here in grace, and hereafter shine as a Star in glory, shall be the uncessant prayer of

Your Ladyships real Friend, and Servant in the Lord, NATH. HARDY.