The Apostolical Liturgy Revived, Title page – Dedication
THE Apostolical Liturgy REVIVED.
A SERMON PREACHED At the Assizes held at Chelmsford in the County of Essex, March 18. 1660.
By Nath. Hardy, D. D. D. R. and Vicar of St. Martins in the fields.
PSAL. 72. 15. And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba; prayer also shall be made for him continually, and daily shall he be praised.
Theoph. ad Luc. 20. foreign.
London, Printed by A. M. for Joseph Cranford, at the sign of the Castle and Lion in St. Pauls Church-yard, 1661.
To the Right Worshipfull Sir ROBERT ABDY, Knight and Baronet, and High Sheriff of the County of Essex.
IT hath been the Lot of this following Discourse (as well as its Author) to passe through good and ill Report. Your Self with many other worthy Gentlemen of the County, so candidly accepted it, as to desire its publication, and yet some ignorant or malevolent Auditors have fastened upon it, the heavy charge of Superstition, whether justly, or caulesly, let the impartial Reader Judge. The truth is, when I reflect upon the persons offended, I have reason to believe, that not the Popery, but the Loyaltie of the Sermon; not so much that part of the Discourse about praying for the dead, as that which perswadeth prayer for, and subjection to the King and his Government, both Civil and Ecclesiastical was the Crime; and if so, what they account my fault, I shall ever esteem my duty and my glory.
In the mean time, I cannot but congratulate you, worthy Sir, those honours which our gracious Soveraign hath confer'd upon you, particularly, in that having so plentifull a choice of Able Gentry, he cul'd you out (as it were) to lead the Van in that high Office wherewith you are invested, which how you have hitherto managed, I need not tell the world. The fame of your Noble Entertainments, numerous Attendants, and especially your impartial deportment, hath already filled City and Country: and I may justly affirm, your place hath not so much honoured you, as you the place.
Go on (Good Sir) to do worthily, and be famous in Essex, and by serving faithfully your God, your King, your Country, to gain to your Self greater honour, not only in this, but the world to come, which shall be the constant prayer of,
Your affectionate Friend, Nath. Hardy.