Note 239 — Chapter XXVII · CHRISTIAN WORK IN CEYLON

When Prince Gautama was born the world had still six centuries to wait ere man might again have access to the Tree of Life (the tree of which, according to the old allegory, Eve failed to eat, and the approach to which was thenceforth guarded, lest, having sinned, she should nevertheless eat of its fruit and live for ever in estrangement from God); and so the Redeemer reveals Himself not only as the Life, but as the Life-Giver. ‘To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for ... immortality, He giveth Eternal Life.’ ‘To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.‘ ‘This is Life Eternal, that they may know Thee, the Only True God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.’