A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 11. Of the difference betwixt Abel and Cain.

THE aforesaid two brothers, Cain and Abel, came from the loyns of the same Father, and [a] out of the womb of the same Mother. Many are of opinion,* 1.1 that they were twins of a birth: because it is said, Adam knew his wife, and she •…•…ceived and bare Cain: but it is onely said, that she again bare his brother Abel (Gen. 4. 1, 2.) It is not again said, that Adam knew her again, and that she conceived again.

Answ. This argument doth not necessarily infer the foresaid point. It is no matter of great consequence to know whether they were twins or no. I will not therefore stand to discuss it. This is evident by the text, that both of them* 1.2 were the Sons of Adam and Eve, and that Cain was the elder: and probable

it is, that these two were the first that ever came out of a Mothers 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Of the two, the younger was the better: yet being younger in birth, he was* 1.3 inferiour in dignity: For God himself said to Cain, in reference to Abel, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shalt rule over him, Gen. 4. 1.

By this first instance of difference betwixt persons, it plainly appears, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spiritual grace doth not alwaies accompany external prerogatives. As here, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 accepted Abel before Cain, so Sem before Iapheth, Gen. 5. 32. & 10. 21. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iacob before Esau, Gen. 27. 37. and Iudah before his brethren, Gen. 49. 8. and Ioseph also, Gen. 37. 7. and Ephram before Manasseh, Gen. 48. 19. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 David before his brethren; and Salomon before his, 1 Chron. 28. 4, 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 v. 32. §. 193.

God is free in bestowing his grace on whom it pleaseth him. From Gods preferring the younger before the elder, the Apostle proveth the free grace of God, Rom. 9. 11, 12.

This in particular warranteth Parents to observe how grace aboundeth in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Children above others, and answerably esteem them. See Domest. Duties of Pa∣rents, Treat. 6. §. 67.

In general, it directeth all how to set their hearts upon any, even as they see them seasoned with grace, Prov. 12. 26. Take heed of respecting men upon outward respects, Iam. 2. 1.

Notes

• * 1.1

  •…•…erini.
• * 1.2

  Cain the elder.
• * 1.3

  Abel the better.