The tide of woe that flowed from the transgression of our first parents is regarded by many as too awful a consequence for so small a sin, and they impeach the wisdom and justice of God in His dealings with man. But if they would look more deeply into this question, they might discern their error. God created man after His own likeness, free from sin. The earth was to be peopled with beings only a little lower than the angels; but their obedience must be tested; for God would not permit the world to be filled with those who would disregard His law. Yet, in His great mercy, He appointed Adam no severe test. And the very lightness of the prohibition made the sin exceedingly great. If Adam could not bear the smallest of tests, he could not have 61 endured a greater trail had he been entrusted with higher responsibilities.

Den ulykkesbølge, som fulgte efter vore første forældres overtrædelse, betragtes af mange som en alt for frygtelig følge af så lille en synd, og de betvivler Guds visdom og retfærdighed i hans handlemåde med menneskene. Men hvis de ville trænge dybere ind i dette spørgsmål, ville de indse deres fejltagelse. Gud skabte mennesket i sit billede, fri for synd. Jorden skulle befolkes af væsener, der kun stod lidt under englene; men deres lydighed måtte sættes på prøve. Og prøvens lethed gjorde netop synden særlig stor. Hvis Adam ikke kunne bestå den mindste prøve, kunne han heller ikke have bestået en større prøve, dersom han havde fået betroet større ansvar.