Luther's translation is at variance with this:
"Wenn du fromm bist, so bist du angenehm, bist du aber nicht fromm, so ruhet die Sünde vor der Thür. Aber lass du ihr nicht ihren Willen, sondern herrsche über sie."
In the margin of Luther's Bible is a reference in this verse to Rom. vi. 12., plainly showing that he considered it as an admonition to Cain to struggle against sin, lest it should gain the dominion over him.
Bishop Sandford farther observes:
"I think that neither Davison nor the other commentators have completely examined Gen. iv. 7. in all its expressions and bearings. I am surprised at Magee's omitting the argument from St. Paul's declaration, that by his πλείωνθυσία Abel obtained witness that he was righteous.... I must repeat my wish to have the word פֶתַח well examined."
A. B. C.
P.S.—Dr. Glocester Ridley (quoted by Bishop Van Mildert, in the notes to his Boyle Lectures) takes the view afterwards adopted by Archbishop Magee, as to the meaning of the passage. (See The Christian Passover, in four sermons on the Lord's Supper, by Glocester Ridley, 1742, p. 14.)
ROLAND THE BRAVE.
Can any of your readers and correspondents, versed in "legendary lore," reconcile the two different tales of which "Roland the Brave" is the hero? The one related in Mrs. Hemans's beautiful ballad describes him as reported dead, and that his fair one too rashly took the veil in "Nonnenwerder's cloister pale," just before his return. The story proceeds to tell how in grief her lover sought the battle-field, and finally fell, with other brave companions, at Roncesvalles.