In its midst See Chrysost., In Gen. Hom. 16, Theodor., Quæst. 27, &c. God planted the tree of life and the tree of knowledge Gen. ii. 9.. The tree of knowledge was for trial, and proof, and exercise of man’s obedience and disobedience: and hence it was named the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, or else it was because to those who partook of it was given power to know their own nature. Now this is a good thing for those who are mature, but an evil thing for the immature and those whose appetites are too strong Text, τὴν ἔφεσιν λιχνοτέροις. Variant τὴν αἴσθησιν, &c., being like solid food to tender babes still in need of milk Greg. Naz., Orat. 38 and 42: Method., ap Epiph. Hæres. 64.. For our Creator, God, did not intend us to be burdened with care and troubled about many things, nor to take thought about, or make provision for, our own life. But this at length was Adam’s fate: for he tasted and knew that he was naked and made a girdle round about him: for he took fig-leaves and girded himself about. But before they took of the fruit, They were both naked, Adam and Eve, and were not ashamed Gen. ii. 25.. For God meant that we should be thus free from passion, and this is indeed the mark of a mind absolutely void of passion. Yea, He meant us further to be free from care and to have but one work to perform, to sing as do the angels, without ceasing or intermission, the praises of the Creator, and to delight in contemplation of Him and to cast all our care on Him. This is what the Prophet David proclaimed to us when He said, Cast thy burden on the Lord, and He will sustain thee Ps. lv. 22.. And, again, in the Gospels, Christ taught His disciples saying, Take no thought for your life what ye shall eat, nor for your body what ye shall put on St. Matt. vi. 25.. And further, Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you Ibid. 33.. And to Martha He said, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her St. Luke x. 41, 42., meaning, clearly, sitting at His feet and listening to His words.