As the earth came forth from the hand of its Maker, it was exceedingly beautiful. Its surface was diversified with mountains, hills, and plains, interspersed with noble rivers and lovely lakes; but the hills and mountains were not abrupt and rugged, abounding in terrific steeps and frightful chasms, as they now do; the sharp, ragged edges of earth's rocky framework were buried beneath the fruitful soil, which everywhere produced a luxuriant growth of verdure. There were no loathsome swamps or barren deserts. Graceful shrubs and delicate flowers greeted the eye at every turn. The heights were crowned with trees more majestic than any that now exist. The air, untainted by foul miasma, was clear and healthful. The entire landscape outvied in beauty the decorated grounds of the proudest palace. The angelic host viewed the scene with delight, and rejoiced at the wonderful works of God.

Da jorden kom fra Skaberens hånd, var den overmåde smuk. Dens overflade vekslede med bjerge, høje og sletter, og her og der fandtes herlige floder og skønne søer; men højene og bjergene var ikke stejle og forrevne med svimlende afgrunde og dybe kløfter som nu. De skarpe, forrevne kanter på jordens klippeformationer var skjult under frugtbar muld, der overalt frembragte et overdådigt grønt tæppe. Der var ingen afskyelige sumpe eller øde ørkener. Yndefulde buske og dejlige blomster mødte øjet, hvorhen man vendte sig. Bakketoppene var kronet med træer, der var mere majestætiske end dem, der findes nu. Luften var ikke forurenet af giftige gasarter, men var ren og sund. Hele landskabet var langt smukkere end den skønneste slotspark. Engleskaren så med fryd på hele sceneriet og glædede sig over Guds vidunderlige værk.