Early Writings
by Ellen G. White
The Fall of Man
Holy angels often visited the garden, and gave instruction
to Adam and Eve concerning their employment and also taught them concerning the
rebellion and fall of Satan. The angels warned them of Satan and cautioned them
not to separate from each other in their employment, for they might be brought
in contact with this fallen foe. The angels also enjoined upon them to follow
closely the directions God had given them, for in perfect obedience only were
they safe. Then this fallen foe could have no power over them. {EW 147.1}
Satan commenced his work with Eve, to cause her to disobey.
She first erred in wandering from her husband, next in lingering around the
forbidden tree, and next in listening to the voice of the tempter, and even
daring to doubt what God had said, "In the day that thou eatest thereof
thou shalt surely die." She thought that perhaps the Lord did not mean
just what He said, and venturing, she put forth her hand, took of the fruit and
ate. It was pleasing to the eye and pleasant to the taste. Then she was jealous
that God had withheld from them what was really for their good, and she [148]
offered the fruit to her husband, thereby tempting him. She related to Adam all
that the serpent had said and expressed her astonishment that he had the power
of speech. {EW 147.2}
I saw a sadness come over Adam's countenance. He appeared
afraid and astonished. A struggle seemed to be going on in his mind. He felt
sure that this was the foe against whom they had been warned, and that his wife
must die. They must be separated. His love for Eve was strong, and in utter
discouragement he resolved to share her fate. He seized the fruit and quickly
ate it. Then Satan exulted. He had rebelled in heaven, and had gained
sympathizers who loved him and followed him in his rebellion. He had fallen and
caused others to fall with him. And he had now tempted the woman to distrust
God, to inquire into His wisdom, and to seek to penetrate His all-wise plans.
Satan knew that the woman would not fall alone. Adam, through his love for Eve,
disobeyed the command of God, and fell with her. {EW 148.1}
The news of man's fall spread through heaven. Every harp was
hushed. The angels cast their crowns from their heads in sorrow. All heaven was
in agitation. A council was held to decide what must be done with the guilty
pair. The angels feared that they would put forth the hand, and eat of the tree
of life, and become immortal sinners. But God said that He would drive
the transgressors from the garden. Angels were immediately commissioned to
guard the way of the tree of life. It had been Satan's studied plan that Adam
and Eve should disobey God, receive His frown, and then partake of the tree of
life, that they might live forever in sin and disobedience, and thus sin be
immortalized. But holy angels were sent to drive them out of the garden, and to
bar their way to the tree of life. Each of these mighty angels had in his right
hand [149]
something which had the appearance of a glittering sword. {EW 148.2}
Then Satan triumphed. He had made others suffer by his fall.
He had been shut out of heaven, they out of Paradise. {EW 149.1}
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