But Cain was not only very wicked in other respects, but was wholly intent upon getting; and he first contrived to plough the ground.

He slew his brother on the occasion following:--They had resolved to sacrifice to God.

Now Cain brought the fruits of the earth, and of his husbandry; but Abel brought milk, and the first-fruits of his flocks: but God was more delighted with the latter oblation,[6] when he was honored with what grew naturally of its own accord, than he was with what was the invention of a covetous man, and gotten by forcing the ground; whence it was that Cain was very angry that Abel was preferred by God before him; and he slew his brother, and hid his dead body, thinking to escape discovery.

But God, knowing what had been done, came to Cain, and asked him what was become of his brother, because he had not seen him of many days; whereas he used to observe them conversing together at other times.

But Cain was in doubt with himself, and knew not what answer to give to God.