Chapter II

All appeared new and strange at first, inexpressibly rare and
delightful and beautiful. I was a little stranger which at my
entrance into the world was saluted and surrounded with innumerable
joys. My knowledge was Divine; I knew by intuition those things
which since my apostacy I collected again by the highest reason.
My very ignorance was advantageous. I seemed as one brought into
the estate of innocence. All things were spotless and pure and
glorious; yea, and infinitely mine and joyful and precious. I knew
not that there were any sins, or complaints or laws. I dreamed not
of poverties, contentions, or vices. All tears and quarrels were
hidden from mine eyes. Everything was at rest, free and immortal.
I knew nothing of sickness or death or exaction. In the absence of
these I was entertained like an angel with the works of God in their
splendour and glory; I saw all in the peace of Eden; heaven and
earth did sing my Creator's praises, and could not make more melody
to Adam than to me. All Time was Eternity, and a perpetual Sabbath.
Is it not strange that an infant should be heir of the whole world,
and see those mysteries which the books of the learned never unfold?