The principles of God’s government were now laid bare: it was nothing but a great, broad system of educational development, and angelic hosts then and there decided whether faith in His word would be the standard of their obedience, or whether finite reason would bear sway. Even Satan himself was almost won, as the notes of praise resounded through the domes of heaven; but again pride ruled. Here was born the rival system,—supreme selfishness facing the utter self-forgetfulness of Christ, reason over against faith. After long pleadings, and amidst deep mourning, heaven’s portals opened to close forever upon the one who, with his followers, turned from light into the darkness of despair. A new era was ushered in; a controversy was begun. High heaven, with its eternal principles of love, life, progress, was challenged by a subtle foe, the father of lies. Deep as is the misery attending the step, yet coexistent with the downward move was formulated the plan which, after the lapse of ages, will prove in a greater degree, and manifest eternally the truth, that “GOD IS LOVE.” The pathway is the way of the cross. It is a retracing of the mental degradation occasioned by the fall, but the process is according to the law of the school of heaven,—“according to your faith.” If ye believe, all things are possible. III THE EDENIC SCHOOL [Sidenote: Creation] “He spake, and it was; He commanded, and it stood fast.”[7] Forth from the throne of the Infinite passed the decree, and life flashing out into space, a world stood forth. Myriads of other worlds, held in their orbits by the ceaseless power of love, made their circuit about the throne of God. But one space in the universe had been reserved for the highest expression of His love, where was to be manifested the depths of this divine attribute. “And the earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.”[8] But even into the darkness His presence penetrated; and as “the Spirit of God was brooding upon the waters,” He said, “Let there be light,” and darkness scattered before the word. The light, reflective of His own being, pleased Him; and He willed that it should be ever present, accompanying every form of life. The first day’s work was done,—a day such as the future man would know, and which, even in his fallen state, would measure off his years.