ain, possessed by
Satan, hides his wrath, waiting the opportunity to slay his brother
Abel; meanwhile he converses with him, as a brother beloved, that he
might the sooner lay his hands upon him unawares.

111. This passage, therefore, is intended for our instruction in the
ways of murderers and hypocrites. Still Cain talks in a brotherly
manner with his brother, and, on the other hand, Abel still trusts
Cain as a brother should trust a brother; and thus he is murdered, and
the pious parents meanwhile are deceived.

Just so the pope and the bishops of our day talk and confer much
concerning the peace and concord of the Church. But he is most
assuredly deceived who does not understand that the exact opposite is
planned. For true is that word of the Psalm, "The workers of iniquity
speak peace with their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts," Ps
28, 3. For it is the nature of hypocrites that they are good in
appearance, speak kindly to you, pretend to be humble, patient and
charitable, give alms, etc.; and yet, all the while they plan
slaughter in their hearts.

112. Let us learn, then, to know a Cain and especially to beware when
he speaks kindly, and as brother to brother. For it is in this way
that our adversaries, the bishops and the pope, talk with us in our
day, while they pretend a desire for concord, and seek to bring about
doctrinal harmony. In reality, if an opportunity of seizing us and
executing their rage upon us should present itself, you would soon
hear them speak in a very different tone. Truly, "there is death in
the pot," 2 Kings 4, 40; and under the best and sweetest words there
lies concealed a deadly poison.

V. 8b. _And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain
rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him._

113. Here you see the deceptive character of those alluring words.
Cain had been admonished by his father with divine authority to guard
against sin in the future, and to expect pardon for that of the past.
But Cain despises the twofold admonition, and indulges his sin, as all
the wicked do. For true is the saying of Solomon, "When the wicked
cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy cometh
reproach," Prov 18, 3.

114. Our ministry at the present day deserves no blame. We teach, we
exhort, we entreat, we rebuke, we turn ourselves every way, that we
may recall the multitude from security to the fear of God. But the
world, like an untamed beast, still goes o