A. The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.

2. 'There is,' says one, 'a tree, called the manchineel, which grows in the West Indies; its appearance is very attractive, and the wood of it peculiarly beautiful; it bears a kind of apple, resembling the golden pippin. This fruit looks very tempting, and smells very fragrant; but to eat of it is instant death. Its sap or juice is so poisonous, that if a few drops of it fall on the skin, it raises blisters and occasions great pain. The natives dip their arrows in the juice that they may poison their enemies when they wound them. Providence has so appointed it that one of these trees is never found, but near it there also grows a white wood, or a fig tree, the juice of either of which, if applied in time, is a remedy for the diseases produced by the manchineel.

'Sin, like this poisonous apple, looks pleasant to the eye, and men desire it,—eat of it, and die. We may think there is no harm in such a thing—it is only a little sin. But who would eat only a little poison? The least sin, if not forgiven, will ruin our souls for ever. This is fruit that must not be tasted; yea, it ought not to be looked upon, or thought of. It is sin that gives to the darts of Satan all their fiery qualities; and to the arrow of death all its bitterness. Now, all who have looked upon the fruit of this tree have desired it and have eaten of it; and if not delivered from its fatal effects, will surely die; but there is a remedy at hand: it is the precious blood of the Son of God, which soothes the troubled conscience, and cleanses it from all sin.

'Apply, therefore, to this means of cure! fly to a crucified Saviour! there is no time to be lost!—the poison works within!—the disease every moment is increasing. Go to the great Physician without delay, and say, "Lord if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me whole."'