Chapter 1—The Creation
When God had formed the earth, there were mountains, hills, and
plains, and interspersed among them were rivers and bodies of water.
The earth was not one extensive plain, but the monotony of the scenery
was broken by hills and mountains, not high and ragged as they now
are, but regular and beautiful in shape. The bare, high rocks were never
seen upon them, but lay beneath the surface, answering as bones to
the earth. The waters were regularly dispersed. The hills, mountains,
and very beautiful plains, were adorned with plants and flowers, and
tall, majestic trees of every description, which were many times larger,
and much more beautiful, than trees now are. The air was pure and
healthful, and the earth seemed like a noble palace. Angels beheld and
rejoiced at the wonderful and beautiful works of God.
After the earth was created, and the beasts upon it, the Father and
Son carried out their purpose, which was designed before the fall of
Satan, to make man in their own image. They had wrought together
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in the creation of the earth and every living thing upon it. And now
God says to his Son, “Let us make man in our image.” As Adam
came forth from the hand of his Creator, he was of noble height, and
of beautiful symmetry. He was more than twice as tall as men now
living upon the earth, and was well proportioned. His features were
perfect and beautiful. His complexion was neither white, nor sallow,
but ruddy, glowing with the rich tint of health. Eve was not quite as
tall as Adam. Her head reached a little above his shoulders. She, too,
was noble—perfect in symmetry, and very beautiful.
This sinless pair wore no artificial garments. They were clothed
with a covering of light and glory, such as the angels wear. While
they lived in obedience to God, this circle of light enshrouded them.
Although everything God had made was in the perfection of beauty,
and there seemed nothing wanting upon the earth which God had
created to make Adam and Eve happy, yet he manifested his great
love to them by planting a garden especially for them. A portion of
their time was to be occupied in the happy employment of dressing the
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