18
Daughters of God
shadow of death marred the fair creation. “The morning stars sang
together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.”
Job 38:7
.
Our first parents, though created innocent and holy, were not placed
beyond the possibility of wrongdoing. God made them free moral
agents, capable of appreciating the wisdom and benevolence of His
character and the justice of His requirements, and with full liberty to
yield or to withhold obedience. They were to enjoy communion with
God and with holy angels; but before they could be rendered eternally
secure, their loyalty must be tested....
While they remained true to God, Adam and his companion were
to bear rule over the earth. Unlimited control was given them over
every living thing. The lion and the lamb sported peacefully around
them or lay down together at their feet. The happy birds flitted about
them without fear; and as their glad songs ascended to the praise of
their Creator, Adam and Eve united with them in thanksgiving to the
Father and the Son....
The angels had cautioned Eve to beware of separating herself from
her husband while occupied in their daily labor in the garden; with
him she would be in less danger from temptation than if she were
alone. But absorbed in her pleasing task, she unconsciously wandered
from his side.... She soon found herself gazing with mingled curiosity
[24]
and admiration upon the forbidden tree. The fruit was very beautiful,
and she questioned with herself why God had withheld it from them.
Now was the tempter’s opportunity. As if he were able to discern the
workings of her mind, he addressed her: “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall
not eat of every tree of the garden?”....
The tempter intimated that the divine warning was not to be actually
fulfilled; it was designed merely to intimidate them....
Eve really believed the words of Satan, but her belief did not save
her from the penalty of sin. She disbelieved the words of God, and this
was what led to her fall. In the judgment men will not be condemned
because they conscientiously believed a lie, but because they did not
believe the truth, because they neglected the opportunity of learning
what is truth....
When she [Eve] “saw that the tree was good for food, and that it
was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise,
she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat.” It was grateful to the taste,
and as she ate, she seemed to feel a vivifying power, and imagined