second son of Adam and Eve, was a shepherd. He offered to God some of the firstlings of his flock, at the same time that his brother Cain offered fruits of the earth. God was pleased with Abel's oblation, but dissatisfied with Cain's; which to exasperate the latter, that he rose up against his brother and killed him. These are the only circumstances Moses relates of him; though, were we to take notice of the several particulars which curiosity has given birth to on this occasion, they would run to a very great length. But this will not be expected.—It is remarkable, that the Greek churches, who celebrate the feasts of every patriarch and prophet, have not done the same honour to Abel; his name is not to be found in any catalogue of saints or martyrs till the 12th century, nor even in the new Roman martyrology. However, he is prayed to with some other saints in several Roman litanies said for persons who lie at the point of death.