Captives bound in chains, made free by Christ their surety

1. These Captives are bound with the chain of Ignorance of sin. The Devil keeps from the eyes of his bond-slaves the evil of Sin, that they should not see it in its own nature, in its proper deformity and evil shape; for Sin is such a monster, that if men did see it as it is, they would abhor it, for evil as evil is not desirable; but Satan sets it out in the paint and dress of pleasure or profit, and so Sinners are the faster held thereby; this way he brought Mankind into bondage, and took them captive at the first, Gen. 3.4, 5, 6. and by this means he keeps them still in slavery and captivity.

2. They are bound with the Chain of Ignorance of their misery and danger by reason of sin. These captivated Souls are in danger of God's eternal wrath and curse, and do not fear it; because they do not see it; in danger of eternal torments and do not tremble at it, because it is hid from their eyes; they see not the evil in sin, and consider not the evil after sin, but think themselves to be safe, though there is but a single thread of a frail ⟨p. 37⟩life betwixt them and the miseries of the Damned. When sinners eyes are opened to discern their dangerous condition, the conscience awakened, they cry out, as they Act. 2.37. Men and Brethren what shall we do? I see I am lost, tell me, Oh tell me, what shall I do? I am in danger of the torments of the damned, if you can, for God's sake tell me, if you have any love or pity to a poor perishing Soul, tell me, what shall I do? If you know of any way or means for me to escape that Hell I have deserved, tell me; is there any pardon for such sins as mine? is there any hope for such a sinner as I have been, and as yet I am? my time is short, my days are few, and I now do see I am as near to Hell, as to the Grave; O what shall I do that I may escape so great damnation! so the Jailer,