art,
appealed to them as something to be desired. To be untrammeled with
laws, to be free to act at pleasure, without jeopardizing their future
welfare, certainly was an attractive proposition. The pleasures in the
body would be of a nature hitherto unknown. Why not be free to enjoy
them? Why this curb on the passions and desires? "Hail to Lucifer and
his plan! We will follow him. He is in the right."

Many of the mighty and noble children of God arrayed themselves on the
side of Christ, their Elder Brother, and waged war against Lucifer's
pernicious doctrine. One of the foremost among them was Michael. He was
unceasing in his efforts to bring all under the authority of the Father.
The plan which had been proposed, and which had been accepted by the
majority, had been evolved from the wisdom of past eternities. It had
exalted worlds before. It had been proved wise and just. It was founded
on correct principles. By it only could the spiritual creation go on in
its evolution to greater and to higher things. It was the will of the
Father, to whom they all owed their existence as progressive, spiritual
organizations. To bow to Him was no humiliation. To honor and obey Him
was their duty. To follow the First Born, Him whom the Father had chosen
as mediator, was no more than a Father should request. Any other plan
would lead to confusion. Thus reasoned the followers of Christ.

Then there were others, not valiant in either cause, who stood on
neutral ground. Without strength of character to come out boldly, they
aided neither the right nor the wrong. Weak-minded as they were, they
could not be trusted, nor could Lucifer win them over.

Meanwhile, the earth, rolling in space, evolved from its chaotic state,
and in time became a fit abode for the higher creations of God.

Then the crisis came. The edict went forth that for many of the sons and
daughters of God the first estate was about to end, and that the second
would be ushered in. Lucifer had now won over many of the hosts of
heaven. These had failed to keep their first estate. Now there would be
a separation.

A council was convened, and the leading spirits were summoned. All
waited for the outcome in silent awe.

Then came the decision, spoken with heavenly authority:

"Ye valiant and loyal sons and daughters of God, blessed are ye for your
righteousness and your faithfulness to God and His cause. Your reward is
that ye shall be permitted to dwell on the new earth,