THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY
To Sermons upon Ephesians 5 by Thomas Manton.

To THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR THOMAS ABNET, Kt., Alderman,
and Lord Mayor of the City of London, with his most religious CONSORT.

My Lord and Lady,-Whoever have known the spirit and temper of worthy Dr Manton, appearing in his not-yet-forgotten life, and conspicuous in his never-to-be-forgotten writings, and do know anything of your temper and spirit, will not think it an incongruity that your names and his do thus stand together on the same page. Your lordship's high esteem and value of him, made public to the world, can reflect no dishonour upon you, either in your own judgment, or any man's that is a capable judge of persons and things. And your ladyship's kindness to his memory is even hereditary, descending to you from your worthy father, between whom and him there was so inward and continued a friendship as scarce ever hath been a greater, expressed by beneficence on the one part, and gratitude on the other.
And that an eminent servant of Christ, who, through the track of so many years, hath been so great and public a teacher, and example of the ancient, serious piety, righteousness, sobriety, strictness of manners, with most diffusive charity (for which London hath been renowned for some ages beyond most cities in the world), should have his memory revived by such a testimony from persons under your character, and who hold so public a station as you do in it, can never be thought unbecoming, as long as clearly explained and exemplified religion, solid, useful learning, and good sense, are in any credit in the world.
This volume will, as an addition to his many former most useful and most approved works that have gone before it, further, through God's blessing, contribute to the mending the world. And as it adds reputation to the author, so will the countenance you give it add to your own reputation. That it may also redound to your real and the common advantage is the cordial prayer of, my honoured lord and lady, your most faithful humble servant in Christ,
JOHN HOWE

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