The Forbidden Fruit

The Forbidden Fruit By Albert R. Lyman Our first parents were told in the Garden of Eden that if they partook of a certain fruit they would die. The scriptures tell us they were first to die as to things spiritual, and that the death of the body was to be inevitable even though it were delayed. Their partaking of that fruit was followed by a death-like numbing of their spiritual senses, and the agencies of decay began bearing them down to the grave. The Lord has required that we re- frain from certain things which, if we partake, will result in a deadening of our spiritual senses, and our claim to life will be materially weakened. With us, however, the law states the reward for observance, leaving its op- posite to be plainly implied. If we observe the Word of Wisdom we are to have health, wisdom, knowledge, endurance and to be passed by the de- stroying angel and not slain. Of those who break this law Pres ident Brigham Young said, "Dark- ness and blindness of mind with regard to the things of God will be their lot." President Joseph F. Smith said, "They are fault-finders and do not know what is the matter with them." Whatever the breaker of the Word of Wisdom may be, he is not what he would be if he observed that law. Often he is soured and disgruntled; through his blinded eyes he sees the Church going all wrong, and there is little use of trying to show him his error till he observes the law by which we may "receive wisdom and great treasures of knowledge." The Word of Wisdom is a law of life and light, as they who observe it will unhesitatingly testify. That the transgression of. this law brings darkness and death is amply proved by a careful survey of those who vio- late it. A Sweet Low Tone Solitude, and ever the stars Glow brighter in yonder deep. Lonely, I'm thinking of you, my love, Calmly I fall asleep. Silently shall fly the hours, While near me ever will seem Your guardian presence that shall bring A song within my dream — A sweet low tone that seems to be Your tender voice that comforts me — And in the desert's symphony I'm with you once again! May wood. Calif. Solitude, and only the stars For company through the night! Lonely I rest on the desert plain, Nothing below in sight. Silence oppressively holds A thrall o'er my yearning heart, Till nature's minstrelsy I hear A sweet low tone impart — A sweet low tone that seems to be Your happy voice that welcomes me- Again, dear heart, our home I see, I'm with you once again ! Joseph Longking Townsend