To the Virtuous, His Much Esteemed Friend, Mrs. **Elizabeth Stock**

Loving friend,

Though I was put upon some straits of time, (other occasions intervening when this Sermon was to be preached) yet at your request to me to publish it, and the desire of some of your Relations to whom I stand obliged, I knew not how in civility to deny. The subject of this following discourse, is, The Saints desire to be with Christ; and surely if Christ be all in all, Colossians 3. 11. all marrow and sweetness, no wonder that they who can claim a propriety, desire possession, and thirst after the embraces of that dear Saviour, in whose presence is fullness of joy as touching the present sad providence wherewith the Lord hath exercised you, let not your heart despond; though God allows you tears, yet you may not mourn without hope, nor beyond measure; let them that weep, be as if they wept not, 1 Corinthians 7. 30. If God hath given you Christ, you have enough, you need not envy any living, or over-grieve him who is dead; The star-light of Relations is superabundantly recompensed with the golden beams of this Sun of righteousness. If these few lines ensuing may do good to any, adding some holy oil to the flame of their affections, ungluing them from the world, and fixing their hearts more upon the Lord Jesus, I have what I aimed at; I shall leave all to the blessing of the Almighty, and rest,

From my Study at Stephens Walbrook. November 3. 1658. Yours, In all Christian service, THOMAS WATSON.