There was a time when the world was very young, and the first people
were like children who cannot understand how to worship God, so they
were allowed to offer sacrifices upon an altar. You have heard about
Cain and Abel, the two sons of Adam and Eve. One was gentle and good,
and he kept the flocks. The other, the elder, took care of the ground
and the fruit trees. When they came to offer their sacrifices Abel
brought a lamb and Cain brought grain and fruit. The Lord looked upon
the hearts of Cain and Abel, and he saw true worship in Abel’s heart, but
in the heart of Cain he saw selfishness and sin. So he did not accept
his offering. Then the sin in Cain’s heart rose into his tongue as he
talked angrily with his brother, and by and by it crept out into his
hand, and he struck his brother and killed him. The seed of murder,
which is hate, had sprung up quickly in Cain’s heart.
[Illustration:
The Two Altars.
]