6. Mark how close on the heels of sin God's question treads! How God
spoke, we know not. Doubtless in some fashion suited to the needs of
Cain. But He speaks to us as really as to him, and no sooner is the
rush of passion over, and the bad deed done, than a revulsion comes.
What we call conscience asks the question in stern tones, which make
a man's flesh creep. Our sin is like touching the electric bells
which people sometimes put on their windows to give notice of
thieves. As soon as we step beyond the line of duty we set the alarm
going, and it wakens the sleeping conscience. Some of us go so far
as to have silenced the voice within; but, for the most part, it
speaks immediately after we have gratified our inclinations wrongly.

7. Cain's defiant answer teaches us how a man hardens himself
against God's voice. It also shows us how intensely selfish all sin
is, and how weakly foolish its excuses are. It is sin which has rent
men apart from men, and made them deny the very idea that they have
duties to all men. The first sin was only against God; the second
was against God and man. The first sin did not break, though it
saddened, human love; the second kindled the flames of infernal
hatred, and caused the first drops to flow of the torrents of blood
which have soaked the earth. When men break away from God, they will
soon murder one another.

Cain was his brother's keeper. His question answered itself. If Abel
was his brother, then he was bound to look after him. His self-
condemning excuse is but a specimen of the shallow pleas by which
the forgetfulness of duties we owe to all mankind, and all sins, are
defended.