The garden of Eden, which for situation was unequaled, it being the source of the four rivers whose waters fertilized the whole earth—and for beauty unexcelled by all then or since, because displaying the special husbandry of the Lord Himself (2:8), was the chosen scene in which the strength of the creature would be tried. There the innocent man was set as center of the vast terrestrial system which was placed governmentally under him as lord, and as knowing neither good nor evil, for that was information gained on the strength of Satan's word and acquired through conscience at the fall. Alas! man now while distinguishing between good and evil, yet lacks the power to do the good and can only do the evil.
In the magnificent scene of life, beauty, and fruitfulness the innocent and happy pair were established in responsibility. As yet no serpent's trail had defiled the walks of paradise, no withered leaf, no blight, no curse, no tear was there. "God is good" was warbled forth in joyous notes from every bird of song; and flower and fruit around, with cloudless sky above echoed, "God is good." The man, moreover, was made morally competent to hold intercourse with and enjoy communion with God—surely a blessing beyond all else, and one peculiar to him.
(The testimony of Paradise was—God is good. The witness borne by the Cross was—God is love. The utterance of the great White Throne is—God is righteous.)