The narrative ... impressively shows how sin, having once appeared, became hereditary in the human race, and speedily developed into its most revolting form. Its details enable us to see how jealousy, when indulged, leads to hatred and murder, and violates not only the ties of humanity but those of family affection; how the sinner casts off all regard for the truth and for his natural obligations; how progress in sin adds to the misery of man’s lot; and “conscience doth make cowards of us all.” The truths taught are, that God looks on the hearts of his worshipers, seeks to restrain the sinner ere he yields to passion, marks the death of the innocent, and graciously mitigates his punishment when his mercy is sought.—_The One Volume Commentary_, _James R. Dummelow_. Those who do not serve God hate him who does because they cannot help wishing that they were like him, yet they have no intention of imitating him, and this makes them jealous and envious. Instead of being angry with themselves, they are angry with him.—_Sermons_, _Thomas P. Newman_. The reason of the rejection of Cain’s offering was that he had not been “doing well.” (“It would be strange if the gods looked to gifts and sacrifices and not to the soul.”—Plato.) Notice that the offering is secondary: _Abel and his offering, Cain and his offering_; the man and his state of spirit are the important elements.—_Commentary on Genesis_, _Marcus Dods_. AIM =To help the child to feel the beauty and strength of the love that envieth not, and to awaken within him a desire to possess it.= LESSON PREPARATION Envy is defined as “selfish ill-will toward another because of his superior success, endowments, or possessions.” It is a feeling which is apt to be displayed by children comparatively early because of the greater success of their classmates in school, or of the larger possessions of those whose parents have either more money or less wisdom in spending it than their own. It is so ugly a trait and so insidious in its attacks that it is well to have a lesson like this which shows the sin in its most hideous form. The story of Joseph’s brethren, who hated him because he was more worthy than they, and of Saul, who viewed with murderous jealousy the popularity of the young David, are other instances of the direction in which envy inevitably carries those who yield to it. In preparing the lesson imagine how the two boys probably differed in their boyhood, for “great crimes are committed only by men whose characters have been gradually debased by lesser sins.” Kent points out nine vital truths illustrated by the story of which the preceding quotation is one. Another which Juniors would be able to understand is that God patiently points out to the offender the right way and endeavors to influence him to follow it. Another is guilt unconfessed cuts a person off from his fellows. LESSON PRESENTATION Introduction