A Body of Practical Divinity

II. The bringing Israel out of the House of Bondage, was a Type of their Deliverance from Satan. Thus Men naturally are in the House of Bondage, they are enslaved to Satan: Satan is called the Prince of this World, John 14.30. and the God of this World, 2 Cor. 4.4. because he hath such power to command and enslave them: Though Satan shall one day be a close Prisoner in Chains, yet now he doth Insult and Tyrannize over the Souls of Men: Sinners are under the Rule of Satan, he exerciseth over them such a Jurisdiction as Cesar did over the Senate. The Devil fills Mens Heads with Error, and their Hearts with Malice, Acts 5.3. Why hath Satan filled thine Heart? A Sinners Heart is the Devils Mansion-House, Matt. 12.44. I will return into my House. And sure that must needs be an House of Bondage which is the Devils Mansion-House. Satan is a perfect Tyrant, 1. He rules Mens Minds, he blinds them with Ignorance, 2 Cor. 4.4. The God of this World hath blinded the minds of them that believe not. 2. He rules their Memories; they shall remember that which is Evil, and forget that which is good: Their Memories are like a Siercer or Strainer that lets go all the pure Liquor, and retains only the Dregs. 3. He rules their Wills: Though the Devil cannot force the Will, yet he draws it, John 8.44. The Lusts of your Father you will do. He hath got your Hearts, and him you will obey: His strong Temptations do more draw Men to Evil, than all the Promises of God can draw them to Good. This is the State of every Man by Nature, he is in the House of Bondage,¹ the Devil hath him in his power: A Sinner grinds in the Devils Mill; he is at the Command of Satan, as the Ass is at the command of the Driver: No wonder to see Men,² oppress and persecute; these Slaves must do what the God of this World will have them: How could those Swine but run, when the Devils entered into them