It is told of a famous blacksmith of mediaeval times, that having been taken prisoner and immured in a dungeon, he conceived the idea of escaping, and began to examine the chain that bound him, with a view to discover some flaw that might make it easier to be broken.

His hope was vain, for he found, from marks upon it, that it was one of his own workmanship, and it had always been his boast that none could ever break a chain that he had forged. And now it was his own chain that bound him!

It is thus with the sinner. His own hands have forged the chain that binds him—a chain that no human hand can break. There is only one way of deliverance. Jesus can break the chains—Jesus alone! Seek His help in your need.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avails for me.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36