The Beatitudes

Reader, how happy were it if, while others take up their time and thoughts about secular things which perish in the using-you could mind eternity and be guided by this Scripture-clue which leads you to the Beatific Vision. If, after God has set life before you-you indulge your sensual appetite and still court your lusts, how inexcusable will be your neglect, and how inexpressible your misery!
May the Lord grant that while you have an opportunity, and the wind serves you, you may not lie idle at anchor, and when it is too late begin to hoist up sails for Heaven. Oh now, Christian, let your loins be girt, and your lamps burning, that when the Lord Jesus, your blessed Bridegroom, shall knock, you may be ready to go in with Him to the marriage-supper, which shall be the prayer of him who is,
Yours in all true affection and devotion,
Thomas Watson
Thomas Watson was an English preacher and author who obtained great fame preaching until the Restoration when he was ejected as the vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook for noncomformity. Watson continued to exercise his ministry privately and upon the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672 he obtained a license to preach at the great hall in Crosby House.