Mind—the highest form of creation
But the work was not yet complete. A mind controlled the universe; and its powers could be appreciated, its heart-love returned in the fullest sense, only by mind,—by beings made in the image of God Himself. And so “God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.” He can then hold dominion over the lower orders of creation, and standing to them as We do to the universe, all nature will see Our power in him. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.”[10]
As if the moment of supreme endeavor had been reached even by God, He molded the form of clay,—one, only one, in the image of Himself. He breathed into its nostrils His own breath,—that breath which, vocalized, moved the worlds; before which angels bowed in adoration. That all-pervading element of life surged through the mighty frame, the organs performed their functions, the brain worked; the man Adam stood forth, strong and perfect; and instead of the piercing wail which now announces the beginning of a new life, his lips parted, and a song of praise ascended to the Creator.
Standing by his side was his Elder Brother, Christ, the King of heaven. Adam felt the thrill of unity and harmony; and while for a “little time inferior,” yet within him lay the possibilities of attaining greater heights than angels held. He was to be the companion of God, the perfect reflection of His light and glory; there was no thought of God that might not have access to the brain of man. The universe spread out in panoramic view before him. The earth, newborn, presented untold beauties. By his side stood his companion, the other half of his own nature, the two forming a perfect whole. The harmony of thought brought strength and life; and, as a result of this unity, new beings like themselves would be brought into existence, until the earth was peopled.
The Eden home
God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and from the beauties of the earth chose the most beautiful spot for the home of the new pair. In the midst of the garden stood the tree of life, the fruit of which afforded man a perfect physical food. Beneath its spreading branches God Himself visited them, and, talking with them face to face, revealed to them the way of immortality. As they ate of the fruit of the tree of life, and found every physical want supplied, they were constantly reminded of the need of the spiritual meat which was gained by open converse with the Light from heaven. The glory of God surrounded the tree, and enwrapped in this halo, Adam and Eve spent much time in communing with the heavenly visitors. According to the divine system of teaching, they were here to study the laws of God and learn of his character. They “were not only His children, but students receiving instruction from the all-wise Creator.”
Subjects taught in the first school on earth
Angels, beholding the wonders of the new creation, delighted to fly earthward; and two from the heavenly host, by special appointment, became the instructors of the holy ones. “They were full of vigor imparted by the tree of life, and their intellectual power was but little less than that of the angels. The mysteries of the visible universe—‘the wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge,’—afforded them an exhaustless source of instruction and delight. The laws and operations of nature, which have engaged men’s study for six thousand years, were opened to their minds by the infinite Framer and Upholder of the universe.
a. Botany b. Zoology c. Astronomy d. Physics e. Meteorology f. Mineralogy