Captives bound in chains, made free by Christ their surety

Thus you have heard what a strong bond false hope of Heaven is, and on what grounds it is built, and by what reasons it is strengthened, and how they are removed: What say you now? will you continue still bound with this cord, and still be kept thereby in your Captivity? I doubt yet many of you will. Drunkards, for all this hath been said, will hope for heaven and salvation still; and Swearers and Profane persons will go on in their sinful course, and yet hope still for Heaven and Eternal life. Therefore because this Fetter is so strong, if possible to knock it off from these captive sinners, answer me to these few following questions.

Thus you have heard what a strong bond false hope of Heaven is, and on what grounds it is built, and by what reasons it is strengthened, and how they are removed: What say you now? will you continue still bound with this cord, and still be kept thereby in your Captivity? I doubt yet many of you will. Drunkards, for all this hath been said, will hope for heaven and salvation still; and Swearers and Prophane persons will go on in their sinful course, and yet hope still for Heaven and Eternal life. Therefore because this Fetter is so strong, if possible to knock it off from these captive sinners, answer me to these few following questions.

1. What if Christ himself in person were now amongst you, and preaching to you, and telling you with his own mouth, that these alleged grounds of thy hopes of Heaven, and redemption by his blood, were not sound nor warrantable, wouldst thou after this hope thou art redeemed, and shalt be saved? If Christ were visibly present, and you should hear him with your own ears telling you, that the Drunkard is a captive to the Devil, & shall not be saved; would you say, No, we are not in bondage to the Devil, or our sins, and therefore will hope we are redeemed and shall be saved? Wouldst thou believe Christ himself? or wouldst thou not? If thou wouldst not, how shall I hope thou wilt hearken to my words? If thou sayest thou wouldst believe him, why then wilt thou not believe what Christ hath indeed already spoken, and left recorded in his Word? The same Doctrine that Christ preached in person in the world, is faithfully recorded in the Gospel. In his Sermon that he preached on the Mount, he tells you, that Except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven,