reproduce its inward spirit and fill it with vigorous life. We have not looked upon it as literal history, but have endeavored to quicken it with that spirit with which the Lord gave it forth. Contrast the spiritual truth thus taught in this history viewed as a parable, with the most unnatural ideas which have been drawm from it as a literal historic narrative. An all-wise Father has created an earth upon which He places the family of man. He has made these children of his, on a finite scale, an image and likeness of what He is infinitely. That is. He has made them beings of love, innocence and goodness, and capable of indefinite degrees of spiritual wisdom. It is his desire that they should pass from this world, prepared for angelic habitations, and live in the highest happiness forever. He, therefore, may be considered as speaking to mankind after this manner: You are human because you are free; and you are free moral agents because you are human. I cannot take away your freedom without reducing you to the grade of the beasts which perish. Now, I place before you heavenly food of every variety, the wisdom of a good life and the goodness of eternal wisdom; and partaking of the fruit of these, you will have eternal life. I am the source of all good. Draw your nourishment, your food for heart and mind, from me the great Tree of Life, and existence shall be to you exceeding
