tables and put to death.

Indeed, instances are innumerable and of daily occurrence which show
that people, in their eagerness to defend themselves, accuse
themselves. Sin may, indeed, lie asleep, but that word which we have
just heard, is true. It lies at the door.

121. Just so in the present case. Cain thinks he has made an effectual
excuse for himself by saying that he is not his brother's keeper. But
does he not confess by the very word "brother" which he takes upon his
lips that he ought to be his keeper? Is not that equal to accusing
himself, and will not the fact that Abel is nowhere in evidence arouse
the suspicion in the minds of his parents that he has been murdered?
Just so also Adam excuses himself in paradise, and lays all the blame
on Eve. But this excuse of Cain is far more stupid; for while he
excuses his sin he doubles it, whereas the frank confession of sin
finds mercy and appeases wrath.

122. It is recorded in the history of St. Martin, that when he
absolved certain notorious sinners, he was rebuked by Satan for doing
so. St. Martin is said to have replied, "Why, I would absolve even
thee, if thou wouldst say from thy heart, I repent of having sinned
against the Son of God, and I pray for pardon." But the devil never
does this. For he persists in committing sin and defending the same.

123. All liars and hypocrites imitate Cain their father, by either
denying their sin or excusing it. Hence they cannot find pardon for
their sins. And we see the same in domestic life. By the defense of
wrong-doing, anger is increased. For whenever the wife, or the
children, or the servants, have done wrong, and deny or excuse their
wrong-doing, the father of the family is the more moved to wrath;
whereas, on the other hand, confession secures pardon or a lighter
punishment. But it is the nature of hypocrites to excuse and palliate
their sin or to deny it altogether and under the show of religion, to
slay the innocent.

124. But here let us survey the order in which sins follow each other
and increase. First of all Cain sins by presumption and unbelief when,
priding himself on the privilege of his birthright, he takes it for
granted that he shall be accepted of God on the ground of his own
merit. Upon this pride and self-glorification immediately follow envy
and hatred of his brother, whom he sees preferred to himself by an
unmistakable sign from heaven. Upon this envy and hatred follow
hypocrisy and lying. Thou