186 APPEARANCE BEFORE GOD, TWO SERMONS On our Appearance before God itere and hereafter. Delivered in Sir Thomas Abney's Family at Theobaldsin Hertfordshire, at the Evening-worship, Nov. 25, and Dec. 9, 1716. Tu the Right Worshipful Sir Thomas Abney, Knt: AND ALDERMAN OF LONDON. Woaanr Sue, WHILE you were restrained by the laws of menfrom public worship in that way which you havechosen, I also suffered the same restraint, -by the providence of Godconfiningme to long sickness ; during which time I enjoyed in your excellent family, many happy conveniences, toward the easeof my affliction, and the recoveryofmy health. I thought it therefore a necessary pieceofehristian gratitude, that some of the first- fruitsof my labours should bedevotedto your service ; and with this view I attempted such meditations as mightbe well suited to my owncircuin- stances of confinement, as well as to yours ; that Ï might speak more sensibly from theheart to your spiritual advantage, and to theprofit ofall your house- hold. Since that time it has pleased theprovidence of God to take off your re- straint entirely, by the repeal of that unrighteous law, and to give you the pleasures of his sanctuary ; yet the review of these discourses, through the operation ofthe blessed Spirit, may renew some useful meditations, when offered from thepress as atestimony of public thankfulness, and in this new form proposed to yourperusal, by, Sm, Your most affectionate, And obedient servant, Under many obligations, I. WATTS.
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