Cain and Abel

I

When Adam fell he quickly lost
God’s image, which he once possess’d:
See all our nature since could boast,
In Cain, his first-born son, express’d!

II

The sacrifice the Lord ordain’d
In type of the Redeemer’s blood
Self-righteous reasoning Cain disdain’d,
And thought his own first-fruits as good.

III

Yet rage and envy fill’d his mind
When, with a sullen downcast look,
He saw his brother favour find,
Who God’s appointed method took.

IV

By Cain’s own hand good Abel died,
Because the Lord approved his faith;
And, when his blood for vengeance cried,
He vainly thought to hide his death.

V

Such was the wicked murderer Cain,
And such by nature still are we⁠—
Untill by grace we’re born again,
Malicious, blind, and proud as he.

VI

Like him the way of grace we slight,
And in our own devices trust;
Call evil good, and darkness light,
And hate and persecute the just.

VII

The saints in every age and place
Have found his history fulfill’d:
The numbers all our thoughts surpass
Of Abels whom the Cains have kill’d!

VIII

Thus Jesus fell; but, oh! his blood
Far better things than Abel’s cries⁠—
Obtains his murderers’ peace with God,
And gains them mansions in the skies.