And Adam knew his wife again; and she bore a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, has appointed me another child instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
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Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
It is quite possible that when Adam was divinely inspired to say, after Seth was born, “God has given me another seed, for Abel whom Cain slew,” there is no implication here that Seth was the next born in the order of time but only that he was destined to be a fit heir in the order of holiness.
We agree that weakness of will and sexual immorality are passions inspired by the devil. But the harmony of responsible marriage occupies a middle position. When there is selfcontrol, it leads to prayer; when there is reverent bridal union, to childbearing. At any rate, there is a proper time for the breeding of children, and Scripture calls it knowledge, in the words “Adam knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore a son, and called him by the name of Seth, ‘for God has raised up for me another child in Abel’s place.’ ” –.
