Thomas Watson (c.1620–1686) on Common Grace

4. The fourth counterfeit оf sanctification is restraining grace, when men forbear vice, though they do not hate it. This may be the sinner's motto, 'Fain I would, but I dare not.' The dog hath a mind to the bone, but is afraid of the cudgel; so men have a mind to lust, but conscience stands as the angel, with a flaming sword, and affrights: they have a mind to revenge, but the fear of hell is a curb-bit to check them. There is no change of heart; sin is curbed, but not cured. A lion may be in chains, but is a lion still.

5. The fifth counterfeit of sanctification is common grace, which is a slight, transient work of the Spirit, but does not amount to conversion. There is some light in the judgment, but it is not humbling; some checks in the conscience, but they are not awakening. This looks like sanctification, but is not. Men have convictions wrought in them, but they break loose from them again, like the deer, which, being shot, shakes out the arrow. After conviction, men go into the house of mirth, take the harp to drive away the spirit of sadness, and so all dies and comes to nothing.

Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity Contained in Sermons Upon the Westminster Assembly's Catechism (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1992), 244. This was the first book published by the Trust and one of the best sellers. It contains a "Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson" compiled by C. H. Spurgeon.

This book may also be downloaded and searched for free here (click).

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