Chapter 1

BUT it is not from these descriptions, just and striking as they are, that their characters are so perfectly known, as from an examination of their conduct through the remainder of this divine work: in which it is well worth while to remark the consonancy of their actions, with what the above pictures seem to promise. It will also be observed, that the contrast between them is kept up throughout, with the utmost exactness of delineation, and the most animated strength of colouring. On a review it will be found, that Belial _talked_ all, and Abdiel _did_ all. The former,

With words still cloath'd in reason's guise, Counsel'd ignoble ease, and peaceful sloth, Not peace.