More Than One Fall
If the race had ceased to fall when Adam was driven from Eden, we
should now be in a far more elevated condition physically, mentally,
and morally. But while men deplore the fall of Adam, which has
resulted in such unutterable woe, they disobey the express injunctions
of God, as did Adam, although they have his example to warn them
from doing as he did in violating the law of Jehovah. Would that man
had stopped falling with Adam. But there has been a succession of
falls. Men will not take warning from Adam’s experience. They will
indulge appetite and passion in direct violation of the law of God,
and at the same time continue to mourn Adam’s transgression, which
brought sin into the world.
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From Adam’s day to ours there has been a succession of falls, each
greater than the last, in every species of crime. God did not create a
race of beings so devoid of health, beauty, and moral power as now
exists in the world. Disease of every kind has been fearfully increasing
upon the race. This has not been by God’s especial providence, but
directly contrary to His will. It has come by man’s disregard of the
very means which God has ordained to shield him from the terrible
evils existing. Obedience to God’s law in every respect would save
men from intemperance, licentiousness, and disease of every type. No
one can violate natural law without suffering the penalty.
What man would, for any sum of money, deliberately sell his
mental capabilities? Should one offer him money if he would part with
his intellect he would turn with disgust from the insane suggestion.
Yet thousands are parting with health of body, vigor of intellect, and
elevation of soul, for the sake of gratifying appetite. Instead of gain,
they experience only loss. This they do not realize because of their
benumbed sensibilities. They have bartered away their God-given
faculties. And for what? Answer. Groveling sensualities and degrading
vices. The gratification of taste is indulged at the cost of health and
intellect.
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