CAIN AND ABEL'S SACRIFICE.

"In process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth and his countenance fell." This is the precise moment chosen by the artist. Two altars are raised in order to make an acceptable offering unto the Lord, but the smoke of Abel's sacrifice ascends as a welcome memorial to God, which the pious brother acknowledges by assuming an attitude of absorbing devotion as the incense of his oblation rises direct to heaven. His flocks are seen in calm repose behind him. Upon Cain's altar the fire has indeed kindled, but the blast of God's anger has diverted it from its upward course, and it is blown aside towards the unworthy hierarch, who, as part of the unaccepted offering is scattered at his feet, assumes that demoniacal expression of wrath which was only a preliminary to the first murder. The character of the worshippers is pourtrayed in the earnest devotion of the one and the indomitable ferocity of the other, who audaciously dared to reject the expostulation of his God. "And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth, and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?"+ But he scorned this merciful interposition, and the blight of infamy fell upon him. Both the brothers are clothed in skins, supplied, it may be presumed, from Abel's flocks. The occupation of each brother is indicated, by Cain holding in his left hand a wooden spade, an implement of husbandry, and by Abel being accompanied by his flock.

Genesis, chapter iv, verses 3, 4 and 5.