represents that sensuality which still suggests sinful thoughts to man; the woman is the inferior part of reason, which first persuades, afterwards leads, the man, the higher reason, into temptation. Scotus Erigena considered the narrative as an ideal description of the happiness designed for man on condition of our first parents successfully resisting temptation.1 IV.—THE REFORMATION PERIOD TO THE CLOSE OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY In this period more correct principles of interpretation were recognised