The Adam

Proof is found in the more literal reading of the Conclusion; "The end of the matter, the whole, let ns hear; fear God, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man," or "this is the whole man."

The word for man is "the Adam," the generic name of the race. This "whole duty" is truly the ideal man, but the expectation of judgment of things evil as well as of good implies the failure and imperfection of this very Adam; and so for him law and duty can be no ground of acceptance before God. It is, then, the book of man. The word Adam is found more than two score times, while the name of man as an individual but six times, and, as of a mortal, twice.

Already midway in the book we are told plainly it is all about man, Adam, the race: "Whatsoever hath been the name thereof was given long ago, and it is known that it is Adam." But the experiences are not those of Adam, wise and unfallen and at home with God, but of one who knows not " what is good for man in' his life all the days of his vain life, which he spendeth as a shadow."