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

Consider. 6. Either you must entertain Christ into your hearts, or a worse Guest. Certain it is, that this house will not stand empty long. Other houses may stand empty, but the heart will not; either you must entertain Christ or the World, and the truth is, this is the reason why many give such cold entertainment unto Christ, it is because they are so hot in pursuing of the World: The World maketh such a noise and lumber in their ears, that they cannot hear Christ knocking and calling upon them. Thus it was with Laodicea, they were so taken up with their goods and riches, that they had no leisure to attend unto what Christ said to them. Again, if Christ be kept out, the Devil will be kept in his possession still: You may see an awful Parable to this purpose, Luke 11.24, 25, 26. yea, let me tell you, that if you do not entertain Christ, you will lodge that in your hearts which is worse than any Devil in Hell, that is, sin, Jer. 4.14. O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved; how long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee? So it will be, vain that's, proud that's, unclean that's, will lodge within thy heart, if Christ be not there: ⟨p. 110⟩How lamentable is it, that if the World• or Satan, or Sin call, men can go presently. But if Christ call never so earnestly, they have no heart to stir. What? to shut Christ out, and receive his Enemies within! How will you be able to stand before the Lord, or your own Consciences another day for this?

Consider. 6. Either you must entertain Christ into your hearts, or a worse Guest. Certain it is, that this house will not stand empty long. Other houses may stand empty, but the heart will not; either you must entertain Christ or the World, and the truth is, this is the reason why many give such cold entertainment unto Christ, it is because they are so hot in pursuing of the World: The World maketh such a noise and lumber in their ears, that they cannot hear Christ knocking and calling upon them. Thus it was with Laodicea, they were so taken up with their goods and riches, that they had no leisure to attend unto what Christ said to them. Again, if Christ be kept out, the Devil will be kept in his possession still: You may see an awful Parable to this purpose,