The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-01-04

to eat. We infer from the 9Th verse, il ate. be-
cause it is said she saw it was good for food be-
fore she had tasted of 1t.
There were three attractive features about
the tree. l. It was edible; 2, beautiful; 3.
wise-making. Compare 1 John, 2: 16.) The
fact the test was the fruit OF tree
might have aided trausgression. since our first
parents were constantly eating the products OF
trees without harm. Something with which
they were not familiar might have caused
some awe and made them less daring. But the
fact the test was the fruit on tree made the
sin less exeusable. They had trees enough, and
why not let enc alone? Had they been hungry,
aud that forbidden fruit the only bic
food, there would have been some apology.
Eve acted intelligently. The very account
shows she had in mind Gods prohibition. But
she did not say No. at once. and so became
subject to Satan's destinations and decrets.
She believed the evil one more than she did
God. She tolerated Satan's accusations against
Gods goodness aud truth. Then as soon as
Adam appeared she plncked again some OF the
forbidden fruit, told him how good it was, and
insisted he too should partake. If she conld
not resist a serpent, it is less wonderful the
husband could not refuse beautiful, persuasive,
wife.
Punishment followed Either the garden
was choice spot, different from the world at
large, or the soil and products of the earth In
general were more or less cursed by reason of
mans fall, so that men would be obliged to toll
severely in order to acquire q livelihood; bread
was to mean sweat-mankind were to be NOR
tai. God intended we should be sinless-we
are wicked. The counterpart is seen in nature.
1t must correspond with our changed moral
condition. If the heart bear thorns, it is BIT
the ground produce thistles. II sorrow be In
the mind, no wonder there is sweat on the
brow.
We are not to understand that sin originated
in, hauf far
world or our race is concerned. Where it act
ually originated We are neither informed nor
required to know.
Suggestions
/. Do not daily with sin. Enter into no
agreement with the tempter. Do not look at
wrong; the heart follows the eyes. Job. 81: ~
Do not parley. Avoid any one who speaks
against God. pro, 1: 10; James. 4:7)
2. Women must beware. Satan knows they
are the weaker vessels. Il Pet, 3:7.) He
seeks their fall first and then mans through
them.
8. Watch and pray against temptation. mt,
%: 41.)
a. Obey God. (Ro., 5 49,
5. Be sure sin will find you out. Expect no
successful conceaiment. You cannot hide
from God among some trees. "Murder will
out" FPS, 1913; Jer.. %: 24)
8. Adam was the prototype of the human
fdCo. I1o Wdo unutF idW-sU arc Wc nc dGsc1
voluntariy--so do we. He violated the law
so do we. He began to die as he sim
ned-we are mortal. He died and so shall We.
Evil seemed very attractive to Adam and Eve
SO much of wickedness promises happiness
to us. They were deceived-we shall be.
Satan told them fearful falssboods, and he is
yet the father of liars. Eve having done
wrong. seeks company in sin-the evil yet
eptice the unwary into unholy ways. As they
invented excuses for their yielding to sin, SO
all evil doors are ingenious in devisiug palla-
tions. As sore consequences befell them, so
now it is impossible to sin without suffering.
But, thank God, as in Eden hope of salvation
was held out, so to-day we have the cross OF
Christ, salvation proffered by our Redeemer.
Fill Thou this soul
Heal every bruised part,
Bind up this broken heart.
And make me whole.
IT'S knowing Thee that heals
'Tis seeing Thee that sends
Comfort and peace.
Show me thy cross and blood
My Savior and my God,
Then troubles cease"