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

2. We have the Reason of this Commi•ation, For that he also is flesh; this is the Reason why the Lords Spirit will cease striving. He is so, that is, man is so, yet, even mankind; and consequently men of all sorts and conditions, even Professors of Religion as well as others, the Sons of God, as it is expressed in the former Verse: There were some that were only the Son, of men, that is, such us never minded God, nor did make any profession of his name; others did profess the fear and worship of God, and these are called his Sons. These words may have dependence on the la-Verse of the fourth Chapter; where it is said, that unto Seth there was born a Son-then began men to call upon the name of the Lord. The Posterity of Cain were a profane, irreligious Generation, but the Posterity of Seth were otherwise. Religion ⟨p. 116⟩was for some time settled in Seth's Family, in their Generations; but in process of time they did degenerate from the Faith and Religion of their Fathers, and became as bad as the Cainites themselves. They were flesh; that is, Carnal and Sensual. In the Scripture, the things of the Flesh, are set in opposition to the things of the Spirit, Rom. 8.5. So here in the Text we may observe a secret opposition between the Spirit and the Flesh. The holy Spirit did move these sinners to Repentance, he stirred up their hearts to that which is good; but instead of following the motions of the holy Spirit, they did pursue only the Carnal, Sensual desires of their own fleshly and corrupt hearts, therefore doth the Lord threaten, that his Spirit should no more strive with them.

2. We have the Reason of this Commi•ation, For that he also is flesh; this is the Reason why the Lords Spirit will cease striving. He is so, that is, man is so, yet, even mankind; and consequently men of all sorts and conditions, even Professors of Religion as well as others, the Sons of God, as it is expressed in the former Verse: There were some that were only the Son, of men, that is, such us never minded God, nor did make any profession of his name; others did profess the fear and worship of God, and these are called his Sons. These words may have dependance on the la-Verse of the fourth Chapter; where it is said, that unto Seth there was born a Son-then began men to call upon the name of the Lord. The Posterity of Cain were a prophane, irreligious Generation, but the Posterity of Seth were otherwise. Religion