provide therein for his physical and spiritual needs. Where that
garden was located is not known with certainty. Occupation was,
however, provided so that he might exercise and develop each part of
his nature. He exercised his mind in naming the animals and in some
way the tree of good and evil was destined to be for his blessing. His
soul had fellowship with Eve his helpmate and God his creator. This
garden also had in it a life-giving tree that gave them the
possibility of enjoying an endless life should they remain near it and
continue to eat its fruit.

The Temptation. The study proceeds on the basis that there was already
a race of fallen beings in the universe. Satan was the chief of these
and had the mysterious power of tempting others to follow him. He
assumed the form of a serpent-a creature least likely to be suspected
and thereby deceived Eve the weaker. The temptation had several
elements: (1) The talking serpent was to her in the nature of a
miracle; (2) Eve had not heard the command of God herself (it was
given before her creation) but had learned it from Adam. The devil
therefore raised a doubt as to whether God really forbade it; (3) The
question implies a doubt concerning the goodness and wisdom of God;
(4) It appeals to the lust of flesh, to the pride of the eye and to
the pride of life. It was beautiful, good for food, and to make her
wise even like God; (5) In this appeal to curiosity there is an
implied dare; (6) She was told that she had a mistaken idea of the
penalty-that she should "not surely die."

In all this it will be noted that the temptation was to fall upward.
All the motives-the satisfaction of natural appetite, the desire for
knowledge and power and the love for beauty were in themselves worthy.
The temptation was to better herself. Such it is always. Adam was not