MH page 261

The Creator chose for our first parents the surroundings best adapted for their health and happiness. He did not place them in a palace or surround them with the artificial adornments and luxuries that so many today are struggling to obtain. He placed them in close touch with nature and in close communion with the holy ones of heaven.

God designed natural surroundings for the health and happiness of humanity. The paragraph attributes the creation of natural human habitats to divine choice rather than presenting a measurable empirical study.

In the garden that God prepared as a home for His children, graceful shrubs and delicate flowers greeted the eye at every turn. There were trees of every variety, many of them laden with fragrant and delicious fruit. On their branches the birds caroled their songs of praise. Under their shadow the creatures of the earth sported together without a fear.

Eden was furnished with diverse vegetation, flowers, fruit trees, and peaceful animals. It describes the historical or theological setting of Eden as a narrative account.

Adam and Eve, in their untainted purity, delighted in the sights and sounds of Eden. God appointed them their work in the garden, “to dress it and to keep it.” Genesis 2:15 . Each day's labor brought them health and gladness, and the happy pair greeted with joy the visits of their Creator, as in the cool of the day He walked and talked with them. Daily God taught them His lessons.

Physical labor combined with communion with God brought health and gladness to unfallen humanity. It describes the lifestyle and spiritual communion of Adam and Eve before the fall.

The plan of life which God appointed for our first parents has lessons for us. Although sin has cast its shadow over the earth, God desires His children to find delight in the works of His hands. The more closely His plan of life is followed, the more wonderfully will He work to restore suffering humanity. The sick need to be brought into close touch with nature. An outdoor life amid natural surroundings would work wonders for many a helpless and almost hopeless invalid.

Spending time in natural surroundings promotes restoration and healing for the sick. It blends spiritual principles about God's plan with a direct empirical claim regarding outdoor life and invalids.