"Many writers consider this tree an emblem of that life which man should ever live, provided he continued in obedience to his Maker. And probably the use of this tree was intended as the means of preserving the body of man in a state of continual vital energy, and an antidote against death.
"What other command did God give respecting the tree of knowledge, beside forbidding them to eat of it?"
"He forbade them to touch it," answered Helen.
"Why did God forbid them to eat of it, or even to touch it?"
"To try them, and see whether they would obey him."
"Do you not think there was some other reason?" asked Mrs. Dermott, of her husband. "It would seem God thought man really had acquired undue knowledge."
"It is exceedingly difficult to understand exactly how much is here meant. Some writers think the sight of the tree was always to remind man that there was a bound set to his knowledge; that there was one thing God had seen proper to deprive him of. Others think that the tree possessed a particular property of increasing knowledge, a physical influence, having a tendency to strengthen the understanding, and invigorate the faculties.
"Who tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit?"
"The serpent."
"By what other names is he called in the Bible?"