Predicament of Our First Parents
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Adam understood that his companion had transgressed the com-
mand of God. There was a terrible struggle in his mind. He mourned
that he had permitted Eve to wander from his side. But now the deed
was done; he must be separated from her whose society had been his
joy.
How could he have it thus? Adam had enjoyed the companionship
of God and of holy angels. He understood the high destiny opened
to the human race should they remain faithful to God. Yet all these
blessings were lost sight of in the fear of losing that one gift which in
his eyes outvalued every other. Love, gratitude, loyalty to the Creator—
all were overborne by love to Eve. She was a part of himself, and he
could not endure the thought of separation. If she must die, he would
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die with her. Might not the words of the wise serpent be true? No sign
of death appeared in Eve, and he decided to brave the consequences.
He seized the fruit and quickly ate.
After his transgression, Adam at first imagined himself entering
upon a higher state of existence. But soon the thought of his sin
filled him with terror. The love and peace which had been theirs was
gone, and in its place they felt a sense of sin, a dread of the future,
a nakedness of soul. The robe of light which had enshrouded them
disappeared, and to supply its place they endeavored to fashion for
themselves a covering. They could not, while unclothed, meet the eye
of God and holy angels.
They now began to see the true character of sin. Adam reproached
his companion for leaving his side and permitting herself to be de-
ceived by the serpent. But they both flattered themselves that He who
had given them so many evidences of His love would pardon this one
transgression; they would not be subjected to so dire a punishment as
they had feared.
Satan exulted. He had tempted the woman to distrust God’s love,
to doubt His wisdom, and to transgress His law; and through her he
had caused the overthrow of Adam!
The Sad Change That Sin Produced
The great Lawgiver was about to make known to Adam and Eve the
consequences of their transgression. In their innocence and holiness
they had joyfully welcomed the approach of their Creator; now they