CREATION OF TERRA FIRMA. (Raphael.)
THE GARDEN OF EDEN.
When Adam and Eve looked out upon the world round about them; when they saw the flowers and the grasses; when they heard the splashing of the sun-lit waters, and the rustling of the soft branches,—then their hearts were filled with love for each other, for their home, and for the Father who had made all this joy for them.
For a long time they wandered up and down the Garden of Eden, singing songs, and ready always to hear the voice of God when he spoke to them in the soft winds that played among the tree tops.
Now, there was a wicked angel, named Satan. He had been cast out from heaven, down, down from the blue sky. And in his own unhappy home he dwelt now, alone, wretched and revengeful. And when he saw this happy man and woman, so good and pure, their hearts bounding with love to God and joy in right doing, his cruel face grew black.
"Such happiness shall not last," he said. So he crept into the Garden, took on the form of a serpent and spoke to Eve.
"Eat of the fruit of this tree," he said, "and give it to Adam that he may eat too."
"But we are forbidden," Eve said.
"The fruit is like no other. Eat! Ye shall not die," the serpent answered.