No good thing
But was there not good mingled with the evil? Was there not light intermixed with the darkness? No, none at all. God saw that the whole imagination of the heart of man was only evil. It cannot indeed be denied but many of them, perhaps all, had good motions put into their hearts. For the Spirit of God did then also strive with man (Genesis 6:3), if perhaps he might repent, more especially during that gracious reprieve, the 120 years while the ark was being prepared (1 Peter 3:20). But still in his flesh dwelt no good thing (Romans 7:18). All his nature was purely evil. It was wholly consistent with itself, and unmixed with anything of an opposite nature.
1771 text
4. But was there not good mingled with the evil? Was there not light intermixt with the darkness? No, none at all: God saw that the whole imagination of the heart of man was only evil. It cannot indeed be denied, but many of them, perhaps all, had good motions put into their hearts. For the Spirit of God did then also strive with man, if haply he might repent: more especially during that gracious reprieve, the hundred and twenty years, while the ark was preparing. But still in his flesh dwelt no good thing: all his nature was purely evil. It was wholly consistent with itself, and unmixt with any thing of an opposite nature.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 44 in the 1771 Works. Genesis 6:5.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.