Men do not seek earnestly after forgiveness of sin, for lack of conviction. Few are convinced what a dreadful thing sin is…that it is distillation of all evil, that it brings all plagues on the body, and curses on the soul. Unless a man’s sins are forgiven, there is not the vilest creature alive–the rat, serpent or toad–which is in a worse condition than the sinner. For when they die they go but into the earth; but he, dying without pardon,goes into hell torments forever. Men are not convinced of this, so they play with the viper of sin. Men do not seek earnestly after forgiveness of sin out of hope of impunity. They flatter themselves in sin; and because they have been spared so long, therefore think God never intends to reckon with them. “He has said in his heart, ‘God has forgotten, He hides His face and will never see it’.” {Psalm 10:11} They think that God is either blind or forgetful. BUT, let sinners know…long forebearance is NOT forgiveness. God bore with Sodom a long time, but at last rained down fire and brimstone upon them. The adjourning of the court does not acquit the prisoner. The longer God is taking the blow, the heavier it will be at last—if sinners repent not.

Thomas Watson (from his sermon entitled ‘The Lord’s Prayer’}

1620-1686