D E D I C A T I O N.

zarded and ruined their fortunes, and poured out their blood in its defence. I might instance particularly, the great part they bore in the Reformation,
The 16th-century religious movement that transitioned England from Roman Catholicism to Protestantism.
the Restoration
The 1660 return of the monarchy under King Charles II following the English Civil War.
and the Revolution.
The "Glorious Revolution" of 1688, which established the supremacy of Parliament over the Crown.

After the honour I have enjoyed of having been long known to your Grace:
"Your Grace" is the formal style of address for a Duke.
I could enlarge upon the amiable qualities of your private life, your domestic and social virtues, your humane and beneficent disposition to all around you, friends or dependants, or those of your own family. With truth I might say, that you never refused to serve any person that applied to you, where it was in your power: that you never knowingly did an unkind, an injurious thing to any person: that no one ever withdrew griev'd from your presence. I can safely affirm, and fear no contradiction, that justice, honour and honesty are some of the real jewels, that adorn your Grace's coronet.
A small crown worn by nobility; the author suggests the Duke's moral character is more decorative than his physical symbols of rank.
And they, at this time of day, receive a seasonable lustre, from your high station, and illustrious birth.