The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-07-13
Sunday School
Lesson
for
July IA.
Beginning of Sin and Redemption

CoNTEXT-Thc story Of the creation is
evidently twice told in Genesis, Last lesson
covered the first account. The second con.
denscs into four verses, (Gcn. Ill 40 what was
given IN greater detail in twcnty.eight verses
ten l:2s) but with a view Of the origin OF
man. Then follows a brief description Of mans
homo in Eden and the command not TO cat of
the fruit Of certain tree, and Il somewhat
extended reference to tho creation of woman,
as the companion Of man. ten. ll;s.2j How
long Adam and Eve remained in Paradise we
are not informed 1t is terminated by the events
to be studied today Our present lesson is one
of very great universal interest. II has been
interpreted IN many different ways. The greater
number approach it as history, believing that
on no other ground could it find such prominence
in tho sacred volume. few scholars are dis.
posed 10 regard the narrative as fiction, illustra.
tive Of the relation between material and spirit.
ual life.
lNSINl ATION.-One very mysterious being
had access TO Eden. lie is called the serpent.
Some think he was an animal, at first erect in
form, afterwards degraded Others claim that
Ne was the highest earthly creature next to man,
OF whom he was Jealous because OF mans dignity
and authority. The Scriptures appear 10 teach
that he the great adversary Of our race,
(Ilev KID once an inhahitant Of heaven, from
OF sin. dude 6) entering for the present purpose
into the creature called the serpent lie is said
to have been exceedingly cunning Selling
favorable opportunity he approached the woman
when she was alone with an insinuating question,
Hath God said yc shall not cat OF every tree
OF the gardens" The evident purpose was to
suggest to her that this was an unreasonable
prohibition. that God had given this home to
the happy pair and He would certainly not deny
to, thc,, ~ he "A m
ed. 4 question was greater temptation than
| an assertion would have been.
RESPONSE (Nerscs = and y The woman's
reply was prompt, emphatic and appropriate IN
| two parts She first asserted that ample provision
had been made for their bodily wants by the
wise and good Creator The first of the trees
| OF the garden had been given for their food.
| OGcn. Len without question there were many
different kinds Of fruit trees, so that there
| would he no lack. Therein was displayed the
love Of God toward them, q Tim. VI:lO and
there was no occasion for distrust on their part.
| She then added that one tree had been inter-
dicted, tree standing in very Conspicous place
| in the midst OF the garden. She also gave the
reasons for Withholding tho fruit OF that tree,-it
was for their good II they should eat they
would die. In these two replies Eve had Ci.
| fccivelv replied the temptcr. She han vim
dicated the wisdom and goodness Of God, and
she had showed that she and ner husband were
restrained, not for any purely arbitrary reason,
| but TO protect their lives. So far she was safe.
| ASSERTION -(Ncrses and - Every tcnlpta.
| ion appeals TO ones desire for gam. Human
nature is So constituted that in its normal state
il seeks continually to advance to that which
is higher and better. (Phr. Ill:13) This dis
| position towards progress must have been very
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