The chain he cannot break

The more he strives, wishes, and labors to be free, the more he feels his chains, the grievous chains of sin, wherewith Satan binds him and leads him captive at his will. His servant he is, though he complains ever so much. Though he rebels, he cannot prevail. He is still in bondage and fear, by reason of sin. Generally, of some outward sin to which he is peculiarly disposed, either by nature, custom, or outward circumstances. But always, of some inward sin, some evil temper or unholy affection. And the more he frets against it, the more it prevails. He may bite, but cannot break his chain. Thus he toils without end, repenting and sinning, and repenting and sinning again, until at length the poor, sinful, helpless wretch is even at his wit's end, and can barely groan, O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?