fore it is impossible He should have any fear of being conquered by the wicked angels. Mamma.-I am of your opinion, my dear.

Soon

Satan with his powers
Far was advanc'd on winged speed, a host
Innumerable as the stars of night,

Or stars of morning, dew-drops, which the sun
Impearls on every leaf and every flower.

Satan sat on his royal seat, high on a hill, far blazing, and addressed to his army a discourse, full of blasphemy against God. All heard without answering, except Abdiel, who stood forth, and in a flame of holy zeal opposed the archangel. He concludes his speech thus:

Cease then this impious rage,
And tempt not these; but hasten to appease
Th' incensed Father, and th' incensed Son,
While pardon may be found, in time besought.

Not one was found to second his fervent zeal; at which Satan rejoiced, replied with increased pride and contempt of the Deity, bade him carry their report to the anointed King, and to hasten, lest evil should intercept his flight. The chief's words were applauded by the mighty host with hoarse murmur, like the sound of deep waters.

Though encompassed by foes, the flaming seraph feared not, but

From amidst them forth he pass'd,

Long way thro' hostile scorn, which he sustain'd
Superior.

Before his departure Abdiel faithfully warned Satan of the dreadful consequences of persisting in his rebellion.

Emily.-How pleased God must have been with that good seraph! I call him a noble character.

Mamma.-He set an excellent example, which I hope my children will be enabled to follow, if they should ever be in bad company. Let not the most powerful persuasions induce you to do what know to be wrong, my dears; be not afraid of reproving sin in a humble, but firm, manner; and then, if possible, like Abdiel, flee from sinners.

you

William.-If the rest of the story is as entertaining as what you have told us this afternoon, I shall never be tired of it. İ understand too and like very much the few lines of poetry you have repeated; they seem to give me the same kind of pleasure that music does.

Mamma.-I am glad to hear that, Wil

В

liam. When you are acquainted with the story, I shall read to you many beautiful passages, for it is an advantage to have the ear early accustomed to the sound of good poetry; and as Milton's language tends to improve the style, I shall express myself as much as possible in his words, while attempting to give you in prose the substance of Paradise Lost. We will proceed with it to-morrow, if nothing unexpected occur. You look puzzled, Emily; what are you thinking about?

Emily. I was thinking, Mamma, how strange it is that Satan and his wicked friends should dare to rebel, when God had said that if any disobeyed they should fall into outer darkness, which should be their place for ever. Even if they had no pain, everlasting darkness must have heen a great punishment to beings who had always lived in glory. Do you think they did not believe God would keep his word?

Mamma.-It is probable they were guilty of the abominable sin of unbelief. Satan knows it is highly offensive to the Lord, and to this day he tempts all people to disbelieve the power, the wisdom, or the mercy of God.

CHAPTER II.

Eliza. We have been very diligent at our studies to-day, dear Mamma; and Emily and I have every thing ready for our work: Will you be so good as to go on with Paradise Lost?

William.-And pray let us have a few of the best lines, just as Milton composed them, Mamma-Abdiel was not pursued by any of the rebels, but

Held his way, till morn,
Wak'd by the circling hours, with rosy hand
Unbarr'd the gates of light. There is a cave
Within the mount of God, fast by his throne,
Where light and darkness, in perpetual round,
Lodge and dislodge by turns, which makes thro
heaven

Grateful vicissitude, like day and night;
Light issues forth, and at the other door
Obsequious darkness enters, till his hour

To veil the heav'n, tho' darkness there might well
Seem twilight here; and now went forth the morn
Such as in highest heav'n, array'd in gold.

The faithful Seraph was joyfully welcomed by the good angels, who presented him before the throne; from whence was heard a voice, saying, "Servant of God, well done!"

God then commanded Michael, the prince of celestial armies, and Gabriel, the next in military prowess, to lead forth their hosts to battle, in order to drive the enemies into The gulf

Of Tartarus, which ready opens wide
His fiery chaos to receive their fall.

You would not be much interested with the particulars of the fight: Dreadful it was

When

Millions of fierce encountering angels fought

On either side, the least of whom could wield
These elements, and arm him with the force
Of all their regions.

The contest had continued two days, and Satan was still unsubdued, when the Son of God went to their assistance. The description of his chariot is too grand to be omitted:

:

Flashing thick flames, wheel within wheel undrawn,
Itself instinct with spirit, but convoy'd

By four cherubic shapes, four faces each
Had wondrous, as with stars their bodies all
And wings were set with eyes, with eyes the wheels
Of beryl, and careering fires between.

Messiah, who you know is the Son of God,

Into terror chang'd

His countenance too severe to be beheld,