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Chapter 2—The Eden School
The system of education instituted at the beginning of the world
was to be a model for human beings throughout all time. As an
illustration of its principles a model school was established in Eden.
The Garden was the schoolroom, nature was the lesson book, the
Creator Himself was the instructor, and the parents of the human
family were the students.
Created to be “the image and glory of God” (
1 Corinthians
11:7
), Adam and Eve had received endowments worthy of their
high destiny. Graceful and symmetrical in form, their countenances
glowing with the tint of health and the light of joy and hope, they
bore in outward resemblance the likeness of their Maker. Nor was
this likeness manifest in the physical nature only. Every faculty of
mind and soul reflected the Creator’s glory. Adam and Eve were
made but “little lower than the angels” (
Hebrews 2:7
) that they might
not only discern the wonders of the visible universe but comprehend
moral responsibilities and obligations. In the midst of the beautiful
scenes of nature untouched by sin, our first parents were to receive
their education.
Our heavenly Father personally directed their education. Often
they were visited by His messengers, the holy angels, and received
counsel and instruction from them. Often as they walked in the
garden in the cool of the day they heard the voice of God, and held
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communion with Him face to face. His thoughts toward them were
“thoughts of peace, and not of evil.”
Jeremiah 29:11
. His every
purpose was their highest good.
To Adam and Eve was committed the care of the garden, “to dress
it and to keep it.”
Genesis 2:15
. Useful occupation was appointed
them as a blessing, to strengthen the body, expand the mind, and
develop the character.
The book of nature afforded an exhaustless source of instruction
and delight. On every leaf of the forest and stone of the mountains, in
every shining star, in earth and sea and sky, God’s name was written.
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