Dedication

Madam,

‘THESE reflections, the one on the deepest, the other on the gayest scenes of nature, when theyr proceeded privately from the pen, were addressed to a lady of the most valuable endowments, who crowned all her other endearing qualities, b)r a fervent love of Christ, and an exemplary conformity to his divine pattern. She, alas! lives no longer on earth; unless it be in the honours of a distinguished character, and in the bleeding remembrance of her acquaintance.

It is impossible, Madam, to wish you a richer blessing, or a more substantial happiness, than that the same spirit of unfeigned faith, the same course of undefiled religion, b xxvl DEDICATION,

which have enabled her to triumph over death, may both animate and adorn your life. And you will permit me to declare, that my chief inducement in requesting your acceptance of the following Meditations, now they make a public appearance from the press, is, that they are designed to cultivate the same sacred principle, and to promote the same excellent practice.

Long, Madam, may you bloom in all the vivacity and amiableness of youth, like the charming subject of one of these Contemplations. But at the same time remember, that, with regard to such inferior accomplishments, you must one day fade, (may it prove some very remote period!) like the mournful objects of the other. This consideration will prompt you to go on, as you have begun, in adding the meekness of wisdom, and all the beauties of holiness, to the graces of an engaging person, and the refinements of a polite education.

. And might- — 0! might the ensuing hints furnish you with the least assistance, in prosecuting so desirable an end; might they contri-DEDICATION. xxvii

bute, in any degree, to establish your faith, or elevate your devotion; they would, then, administer to the author such a satisfaction, as applause cannot give, nor censure take away; a satisfaction, which I should be able to enjoy, even in those awful moments, when all that captivates the eye is sinking in darkness, and every glory of this lower world disappearing for ever.

These wishes, Madam, as they are a most agreeable employ of my thoughts, co they come attended with this additional circumstance of pleasure, that they are also the sincerest expression of that very great esteem, with which I am,

Madam,

Your most obedient,

Most humble servant,

JAMES HERVEY.
Weston-Favell, near
Northampton,
May CO, 174(5.