Is the final test of sin a man’s consciousness of guilt, or the ultimate effect of his act upon himself, or upon society?

May the woman in the Garden of Eden be regarded as the prototype of the modern scientist?  Are there ways in which the scientist may sin in making his investigations?  Illustrate.  How about vivisection?

Does sin bring moral enlightenment?  Distinguish between Jesus’ attitude toward sin and toward the sinner.  What should be our attitude toward the sinner?

If the man and woman had frankly confessed their sin, what, by implication, would have been the effect:  first, upon themselves, and second, upon the attitude and action of God?

Does temptation to sin, as in the case of Adam, often come in the guise of virtue?  What is the value of confession to the sinner?  To society?

Subjects for Further Study.

(1) The Babylonian and Egyptian Idea of Sin. Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible, extra vol. 566-567; Breasted, History of Egypt, 173-175; Jastrow, Religion of the Babylonians and Assyrians, 313-327.

(2) Milton’s Interpretation of Genesis 3 in Paradise Lost.

(3) The Right and Wrong of the Attempted Surrender of West Point from the Point of View of Benedict Arnold, Andre and Washington.

STUDY III

THE CRIMINAL AND HIS RELATION TO SOCIETY.

THE STORY OF CAIN.—­Gen. 4:1-16.

Parallel Readings.

  Hist.  Bible, Vol. 1, 42-46. 
  Jenks, Prin. of Pol. 1-16. 
  August Drahms, The Criminal.

Now in the course of time it came to pass, that Cain brought some of the fruit of the ground as an offering to Jehovah.  And Abel also brought some of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat.  And Jehovah looked favorably upon Abel and his offering:  but for Cain and his offering he had no regard.

Therefore, Cain was very angry and his countenance fell.  And Jehovah said to Cain,

  Why art thou angry? 
  And why is thy countenance fallen? 
  If thou doest well, is there not acceptance? 
  But if thou doest not well,
  Does not sin crouch at the door? 
  And to thee shall be its desire,
  But thou shouldst rule over it.

Then Cain said to Abel his brother, Let us go into the field.  And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him.

And when Jehovah said to Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? he said, I, know not; am I my brother’s keeper.—­Gen. 4:3-9 (Hist.  Bible).