"Yes, to us it does seem so, especially as they had not the temptation of wicked hearts prompting them to sin. Their only temptation was from Satan, who, from the moment they were placed in paradise, watched for an opportunity to destroy their happiness. Remember, children, he is just as busy now as he was then. He is constantly whispering in the ear of some little boy or girl, that it would be no harm for them to disobey their father or their mother—no harm to break the laws of God. "To impress this answer upon your minds, I shall illustrate it by a story which is not true; but which I shall invent for this occasion. It is called a parable, and is like what the Saviour used, to illustrate and enforce the truths which he taught." "There was once a boy by the name of Edward. He had a father, mother, and one sister. He had also a rich uncle, named Mr. Tudor, who had lived for many years in India, and brought home a great many curious things. Some of these were placed for safe keeping with his sister, who was the mother of Edward. The boy had amused himself for hours in examining them. But there was in the attic a small, curiously-shaped box, which very much excited his attention. There must be something very wonderful in it. Edward longed to see it opened. When his uncle visited them, Mrs. Rowe told him of the boy's desire, and he immediately sent for his nephew to come into the room. "'Edward,' said he, 'your mother says you are curious to know what is in that foreign box up stairs.' "The boy looked rather confused, but answered, 'Yes, sir.' "'Well, I sent for you to tell you that on no account must you touch it. Remember if you are ever so curious, don't go near it, for you might be seriously hurt, and perhaps killed. But I will make a covenant, or agreement with you, that if you will not go near it until my return, which will be in one month, I will give you all that it contains, which will be a very valuable present.' "'I will be sure to remember,' exclaimed Edward, in an animated tone. "The next day, when his uncle left, he said, 'Remember our agreement, my boy, and be sure not to go near the box.' "This was said in an impressive voice, and deepened Edward's determination to fulfil his part of the agreement. In order to do this, he promised himself that he would not go into the attic, for fear it would be a temptation to open the forbidden box, as the key, he found, was attached to the trunk by a string. But in two or three days he found himself sitting again by its side, and wondering at its contents. He began to reason, as Eve did, that his uncle really meant nothing by the threat. He thought about the box, and dreamed about it, until he lost his appetite, and grew thin and pale.