Lessons from the History of Cain
G. Gilfillan. Genesis 4:1-16 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.… From the story of Cain we gather the following thoughts — I. EVE'S DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE BIRTH OF CAIN SHOULD BE A WARNING TO ALL MOTHERS. Overestimate of children may be traced sometimes to extreme love for them; it may also arise on the part of parents from an overweening estimate of themselves. II. We see next in the history of Cain WHAT A FEARFUL SIN THAT OF MURDER IS. The real evil of murder (apart from its theftuous character) lies in the principles and feelings from which it springs, and in its recklessness as to the consequences, especially the future and everlasting consequences, of the act. The red flower of murder is comparatively rare, but its seeds are around us on all sides. III. NO ARGUMENT CAN BE DEDUCED FROM THE HISTORY OF CAIN IN FAVOUR OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENTS. We object to such punishments — 1. Because they, like murder, are opposed to the spirit of forgiveness manifested in the gospel of Christ. 2. Because, like murder, they ruthlessly disregard consequences. (G. Gilfillan.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. WEB: The man knew Eve his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Cain, and said, "I have gotten a man with Yahweh's help."