Now when the early race of mankind, called Adam, had departed from the state of purity, love, intelligence and happiness, denominated the Garden of Eden; when, by becoming sensual and selfish they had lost or been driven out of that glorious state of which Eden was the symbol and synonym; then the providence of God, ever merciful and loving—the same providence which maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good alike, and sendeth his rain equally on the just and on the unjust, followed them out of Eden and into banishment.
Providence is not only in heaven; it is also in hell. It not only gives good to the good, but it restrains the evil from evil. It has no resentments, no wounded pride, no human passion. It works for all men, and for their greatest good and happiness. In Eden or out, it will do for each one that which will make him the best and happiest man it is possible for him to be on his own chosen plane. In Eden its ministries are ineffably tender and sweet. Out of Eden they do not seem so, only because they flow into perverted hearts and minds. Yet, even there, it will so modify and control circumstances, not infringing human freedom, as to lead man to be as good as he is willing to be, and to withhold him as far as possible from sinking into lower depths of iniquity.
This providence of the Lord is represented by
