There must be sin involved, though he knew not how--sin and its penalty.

It was more and more clear that God's hand was on him--on _him_.

Every act of his own hand turned to evil, and those whom he would bless were cursed.

And this cruel scheme of evil--this fate--could it not be broken?
Was there no propitiation?
Yes, there was; there must be.

That thing which he was minded to do would be expiation in the sight of Heaven.