English poem
Cain and Abel
by John Newton (1725–1807)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.