rtial. Christ the Word, the only
begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father,--one in nature, in
character, and in purpose,--the only being in all the universe that could
enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. By Christ, the Father
wrought in the creation of all heavenly beings. "By Him were all things
created, that are in heaven, ... whether they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers;"(879) and to Christ, equally with the Father,
all heaven gave allegiance.

The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the
happiness of all created beings depended upon their perfect accord with
its great principles of righteousness. God desires from all His creatures
the service of love,--homage that springs from an intelligent appreciation
of His character. He takes no pleasure in a forced allegiance, and to all
He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service.

But there was one that chose to pervert this freedom. Sin originated with
him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God, and who stood
highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven. Before his
fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. "Thus
saith the Lord God: Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect
in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone
was thy covering." "Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have
set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up
and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways
from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in
thee."(880)

Lucifer might have remained in favor with God, beloved and honored by all
the angelic host, exercising his noble powers to bless others and to
glorify his Maker. But, says the prophet, "Thine heart was lifted up
because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy
brightness."(881) Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge a desire for
self-exaltation. "Thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God." "Thou
hast said, ... I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit
also upon the mount of the congregation.... I will ascend above the
heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High."(882) Instead of
seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of His
creatures, it was Lucifer's endeavor to win their service and homage to
himself. And co