Some important truths about conversion, delivered in sundry sermons, / by Increase Mather, D.D.…

4. Christ knocks and calls upon the heart, by the voice of Conscience. A mans Conscience is Gods Messengers, whereby he knocketh at th• door, and speaketh home to the hear, Pro•. 20.27. The spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord, searching the inward parts of the belly. So that the inward parts of the belly, that is to say, the most secret corners of the heart, are ransacked by the spirit of a man, by which the Conscience is ⟨p. 96⟩meant. And when Conscience speaketh, the Lord speaks also; for Conscience is Gods Messenger, (as was said) it cometh armed with Authority in his name; and hence is said to be the candle of the Lord, because it is of the Lords sending and setting up. The voice of Conscience is many times a roaring voice, whereby the Lord doth Awaken the most secure and sleepy sinners. Conscience hath a Commission, that I may so speak, not only to knock at the door, but if need be, to break the door down, rather than that the sleepy sinner should not be awakened.

Que. 3. What is implied, in hearing Christs voice, and opening to him?

Answ. 1. Herein is implied, a regarding what the Lord saith. It noteth a diligent attention, even a listening unto Christ's voice. This is called hearkening and considering, Psal. 45.10. Hearken, O Daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear. A man may hear the voice of Christ, and yet slight all that he heareth of, or from Christ. So it was with the Jews, and so it is with the greatest part of them, at whose door Christ is pleased to knock. Hence Wisdom, that is Christ, complaineth, I have called, & ye refused? I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof,