Genesis iv. 3, And Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord [Jehovah]. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof.
Cain is the type of mortal and material man, conceived in sin and “brought forth in iniquity,” not the The two offerings. type of Truth and Love. Material in origin and sense, he brings a material offering to God. Abel takes his offering from the firstlings of the flock. A lamb is a more animate form of existence, and more nearly resembles a mind-offering, than does Cain's fruit. Jealous of his brother's gift, Cain seeks Abel's life, instead of making his own gift a higher tribute to the Most High.
Genesis iv. 4, 5. And the Lord [Jehovah] had respect unto Abel, and to his offering; but unto Cain and his offering He had not respect.
Had God more respect for the homage bestowed through a gentle animal, than for the worship expressed by Cain's fruit? No; but the lamb was a more spiritual type of the human concept of Love than the herbs of the ground could be.
Genesis iv. 8. Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him.
The erroneous belief that life, substance, and intelligence can be material, ruptures the brotherhood of man at the very outset.
Genesis iv. 9. And the Lord [Jehovah] said unto Cain: “Where is Abel, thy brother?” And he said: “I know not. Am I my brother's keeper?”
