DEDICATION.

Your Grace best shews your regard to reli-
gion, by a constant attendance on its duties,
in the service of the church; and by a regu-
lar practice of its precepts, in their whole ex-
tent. And as you are justly sensible, the foun-
dation of religion rests on a careful observance
of the sabbath:
In the 18th century, "Sabbatarianism"—the strict religious observance of Sunday—was considered a primary defense against social disorder and moral decay.
you not only study to en-
courage it, by your own great example; but
likewise discountenance, that too fashionable cus-
tom of travelling on sundays, and other pro-
fanations thereof: which are the sure root of
national corruption, the sure presage of national
ruin.
The author is likely referring to the growing trend among the aristocracy of using Sundays for travel or social parties, which conservative religious figures viewed as a threat to the nation's spiritual safety.

Nor are your Grace’s virtues more conspi-
cuous, in your religious and moral character,
than in the love of your country. This you
inherit with the blood that runs in your veins ;
this you derive from an immemorial series of
noble ancestors, renowned in our annals, for
their steady allegiance to the sovereign power ;
for their vigor in support of the constitution
both in church and state;
The "Constitution in Church and State" refers to the established legal order of Great Britain, where the King is the head of both the government and the Church of England.
that have often ha-