"In Milton's 'Paradise Lost,' he says that Eve dreamed of eating the fruit; then she persuaded Adam that they should accomplish more in tending their garden, if they were separated for a season, as it took up too much time to talk, and bestow glances of affection. So she went to a distance from him, where the tempter found her; and we know too well the sad consequences. We must defer the conclusion of our story until the next lesson." CHAPTER XIII. THE FALL OF MAN; OR, THE MYSTERIOUS BOX. QUESTION XIII. _Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?_ ANSWER. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the state wherein they were created, by sinning against God. —————— VERY many times, during the week following the story of Edward, did the children discuss the probabilities of his obtaining the prize. "I do wonder what was in the box," exclaimed Helen. "I can't think, or even guess," responded Walter; "but I could hold on for one month, I know. Just think how silly 'twould be to go and look when he was certain of knowing so soon, and of having such a reward besides." "I hope he kept the agreement," said Anna, "because his uncle said if he opened the box, he would be very much hurt." "Perhaps it was a spring lock," suggested Walter, "that would catch his fingers and tear them right off." On Thursday evening the little ones were punctually in their places, which, as Mrs. Dermott remarked, was a proof of Walter's great interest in the lesson, as it was bright moonlight night, and he had been enjoying a fine skate in front of the house. Anna repeated the answer in course, and then Mrs. Dermott asked, "Who were our first parents, my dear?" "Adam and Eve." Mr. Dermott having taken his seat, said, "Walter, what is it to be left to the freedom of one's will?" "I always thought," replied the boy, "that it meant you might do a thing or not, just as you chose." "A very good definition, my boy! When God had placed Adam and Eve in their beautiful home, he said,— "'Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die.' "Would God have told Adam not to eat of it, and threatened him with death provided he did, if he was not left free to act in any way he chose?" "No, sir. If God knew he would be obliged to eat it, I don't believe he would have told him not to." "Do you suppose Edward, about whom I told you, had the freedom of his will?" "Yes, sir."