Innocence

How bright the picture of man and his circumstances that we have traced for us in Genesis 1, 2. He is not merely the noblest of all God’s creatures, but in his Very being he is different. When God made the other creatures, He had but to speak, and it was; to command, and it stood fast. But when man was in question, there was counsel: ― “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” In that he stands alone.
Then, again, look at man’s place in creation, as set forth in these words, “Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing.” What a position! What an inheritance! What a noble being was man, as created in the image and likeness of God! What an exalted position was his, as set over all the works of God’s hands! Such was man, and such his place in creation.
In Genesis 2:19, 20. we see man installed in his place, and God is the first to own him in that place; for He brings all the creatures He had made to Adam, and he gives them their names. What a sight to gaze upon! The creature filling his place according to God, and God owning him in that place. Man perfectly happy. Not a fear in his heart, not a misgiving in his mind, as God draws nigh to him. How interesting all this is! And all the more interesting, because it is gone; and gone, never to return. How dark and terrible the contrast between man then and man now! Instead of being lord of creation, having dominion over all things, he is the miserable slave of circumstances, eating his bread by the sweat of his brow. Instead of being happy with God, he is full of fear at the very thought of meeting Him. On every hand suffering meets the eye, and groans salute the ear. What has wrought all this sad, sad change? Can you account for it, proud man, with all your knowledge? Can you, with all your wondrous discoveries, provide a remedy for it? Can you hush the groans of creation, and dry up the tears of a suffering race? Can you arrest the onward march of the king of terrors? You cannot? Why not then listen to God’s account of it, and accept His remedy?
Now, let us turn and look at the next aspect, ―