The Sweet Exchange
We think that Paradise and Calvary, Christ’s Cross and Adam’s tree, stood in one place; Look, Lord, and find both Adams met in me; As the first Adam’s sweat surrounds my face, May the Last Adam’s blood my soul embrace. John Donne, "Hymn to God my God". Donne was playing out a complementary set of themes which can be heard in some ancient Church pastors/theologians. (1) The fall at the tree of the knowledge of good & evil, & our rescue at the cross (a tree of shame turned into the tree of life by Christ’s death and vindicating resurrection), and (2) Adam’s disobedience undone by Christ’s obedience (2 Adams). For example, St. Irenaeus (late 2nd Century) explains the relationship this way: “And not by the aforesaid things alone has the Lord manifested Himself, but [He has done this] also by means of His passion....