Chapter 3—Cain and Abel
Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, were very unlike in character.
Abel feared God. Cain cherished rebellious feelings, and murmured
against God because of the curse pronounced upon Adam, and because
the ground was cursed for his sin. These brothers had been instructed
in regard to the provision made for the salvation of the human race.
They were required to carry out a system of humble obedience, show-
ing their reverence for God, and their faith and dependence upon the
promised Redeemer, by slaying the firstlings of the flock, and solemnly
presenting it with the blood, as a burnt-offering to God. This sacri-
fice would lead them to continually keep in mind their sin, and the
Redeemer to come, who was to be the great sacrifice to man.
Cain brought his offering unto the Lord with murmuring and infi-
delity in his heart in regard to the promised Sacrifice. He was unwilling
to strictly follow the plan of obedience, and procure a lamb and offer it
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with the fruit of the ground. He merely took of the fruit of the ground
and disregarded the requirement of God. God had made known to
Adam that without shedding of blood there could be no remission for
sin. Cain was not particular to bring even the best of the fruits. Abel
advised his brother not to come before the Lord without the blood of
a sacrifice. Cain being the eldest, would not listen to his brother. He
despised his counsel, and with doubt and murmuring in regard to the
necessity of the ceremonial offerings, he presented his offering. But
God did not accept it.
Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat as God
had commanded; and in full faith of the Messiah to come, and with
humble reverence, he presented the offering. God had respect unto
his offering. A light flashes from Heaven and consumes the offering
of Abel. Cain sees no manifestation that his is accepted. He is angry
with the Lord, and with his brother. God condescends to send an angel
to Cain to converse with him.
The angel inquires of him the reason of his anger, and informs him
that if he does well, and follows the directions God has given, he will
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