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The Fall of Man
Holy angels often visited the garden, and gave instruction to
Adam and Eve concerning their employment and also taught them
concerning the rebellion and fall of Satan. The angels warned them
of Satan and cautioned them not to separate from each other in
their employment, for they might be brought in contact with this
fallen foe. The angels also enjoined upon them to follow closely the
directions God had given them, for in perfect obedience only were
they safe. Then this fallen foe could have no power over them.
Satan commenced his work with Eve, to cause her to disobey.
She first erred in wandering from her husband, next in lingering
around the forbidden tree, and next in listening to the voice of the
tempter, and even daring to doubt what God had said, “In the day that
thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” She thought that perhaps
the Lord did not mean just what He said, and venturing, she put forth
her hand, took of the fruit and ate. It was pleasing to the eye and
pleasant to the taste. Then she was jealous that God had withheld
from them what was really for their good, and she offered the fruit
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to her husband, thereby tempting him. She related to Adam all that
the serpent had said and expressed her astonishment that he had the
power of speech.
I saw a sadness come over Adam’s countenance. He appeared
afraid and astonished. A struggle seemed to be going on in his
mind. He felt sure that this was the foe against whom they had been
warned, and that his wife must die. They must be separated. His
love for Eve was strong, and in utter discouragement he resolved
to share her fate. He seized the fruit and quickly ate it. Then Satan
exulted. He had rebelled in heaven, and had gained sympathizers
who loved him and followed him in his rebellion. He had fallen and
caused others to fall with him. And he had now tempted the woman
to distrust God, to inquire into His wisdom, and to seek to penetrate
His all-wise plans. Satan knew that the woman would not fall alone.
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