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Chapter 4—Temptation and Fall
This chapter is based on
Genesis 3
.
Satan assumes the form of a serpent and enters Eden. The serpent
was a beautiful creature with wings, and while flying through the
air his appearance was bright, resembling burnished gold. He did
not go upon the ground but went from place to place through the air
and ate fruit like man. Satan entered into the serpent and took his
position in the tree of knowledge and commenced leisurely eating
of the fruit.
Eve, unconsciously at first, separated from her husband in her
employment. When she became aware of the fact she felt that there
might be danger, but again she thought herself secure, even if she
did not remain close by the side of her husband. She had wisdom
and strength to know if evil came, and to meet it. This the angels
had cautioned her not to do. Eve found herself gazing with mingled
curiosity and admiration upon the fruit of the forbidden tree. She
saw it was very lovely, and was reasoning with herself why God had
so decidedly prohibited their eating or touching it. Now was Satan’s
opportunity. He addressed her as though he was able to divine her
thought: “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the
garden?” Thus, with soft and pleasant words, and with musical voice,
he addressed the wondering Eve. She was startled to hear a serpent
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speak. He extolled her beauty and exceeding loveliness, which was
not displeasing to Eve. But she was amazed, for she knew that to
the serpent God had not given the power of speech.
Eve’s curiosity was aroused. Instead of fleeing from the spot,
she listened to hear a serpent talk. It did not occur to her mind that it
might be that fallen foe, using the serpent as a medium. It was Satan
that spoke, not the serpent. Eve was beguiled, flattered, infatuated.
Had she met a commanding personage, possessing a form like the
angels and resembling them, she would have been upon her guard.
But that strange voice should have driven her to her husband’s side
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