therefore never known any other place of abode than the heaven in which they are now living.[1] It has also been generally believed by Christians that a portion of these innocent and happy beings, once rose in rebellion against the government of heaven, and sought to overthrow the Ruler of the universe, and obtain for themselves the supremacy. To this foul revolt they are thought to have been instigated by one more wicked and powerful, but once more wise and glorious, than the rest;—by one who,
"in the happy realms of light,
Clothed with transcendent brightness, didst outshine
Myriads though bright;"
but who,
"with ambitious aim
Against the throne and monarchy of God,
Raised impious war in heaven and battle proud,
With vain attempt."
It has been further believed that the leader in that great rebellion, being defeated in his impious undertaking, was cast out of heaven with his rebellious crew, and became the Prince or chieftain of the bottomless pit—the
- ↑ As to the precise time of their creation, whether prior or posterior to, or simultaneously with the creation of the material world. Christians have not been agreed. Nor has there been entire agreement as to their nature. The prevalent opinion, however, has been, that they are incorporeal—pure spirits destitute of any kind of body, yet capable of assuming a body at pleasure. Some have supposed that they have bodies of the purest kind of air or ether; and one of the Christian Fathers even went so far as to give form to their aerial bodies, declaring his belief that they are spherical.
