Self-dedication discoursed in the anniversary thanksgiving of a person of honour for a great…

And that I may, more particularly, direct my speech the same way, that the voice of that memorable providence is especially directed. You are, my Lord, to be more peculiarly besought by the mercies of God, that you would, this day dedicate your self to him.

I do beseech therefore you, by the many endearing ⟨p. 139⟩mercies, which God hath so plentifully conferred upon you, by the mercies of your noble extraction, and birth, by the mercies of your very ingenuous and pious education, by the mercies of your family, which God hath made to descend to you from your honourable progenitors (which, as they are capable of being improved, may be very valuable mercies.) By the blood, and tender mercies of your blessed, and glorious Redeemer, who offered up himself a sacrifice to God for you, that you would now present your self to God, an holy, living Sacrifice, which is your reasonable service. ⟨p. 140⟩I add, by the signal mercy, which hath made this a memorable day to you, and by which you come, thus long, to enjoy the advantages of all your other mercies. How came it to pass that this day comes not to be remembered, by your noble relatives as a black, and a gloomy day, the day of the extinction of the present light, and lustre of your family; and of quenching their coal which was left. You had a great preserver, who, we hope, delivered you because he delighted in you. Your life was precious, in his sight. Your breath was in his hand; he preserved, and ⟨p. 141⟩renewed it to you, when you were ready to breath your last. And we hope he will vouchsafe you that greater deliverance, not to let you fall under the charge which was once exhibited against a great man, Dan. 5.23. The God in whose hands thy breath is— hast thou not glorified. And make you rather capable of adopting those words,