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I. RELIGION ACTUATED MEN IN THE VERY EARLIEST TIMES.

II. THE MERE NATURAL RELIGION IS ESSENTIALLY DEFECTIVE.

1. In its offerings.

2. In the power which it exercises over the passions.

3. In its sympathy (ver. 9).

III. SPIRITUAL RELIGION ALONE COMMENDS A MAN TO GOD. This is illustrated in the life of Abel.

1. He possessed faith.

2. He offered an acceptable sacrifice to God.

3. Spiritual religion has a favourable influence on character.The quality of Abel's piety, its depth and spirituality, cost him his life, and made him at the same time the first martyr for true religion.

(D. Rhys Jenkins.)

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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."