he stars among.

_lib._ vii. _fol._ 189.

The glorious figure which Satan is supposed to make among the _Thrones_
and _Dominions_ in Heaven is such, as we might suppose the highest Angel
in that exalted train could make; and some think, _as above_, that he
was the chief of the Arch-angels.

Hence that notion, (and not ill founded) _namely_, that the first cause
of his disgrace, and on which ensued his rebellion, was occasioned upon
God's proclaiming his SON Generalissimo, and with himself supreme ruler
in heaven; giving the dominion of all his works of creation, as well
already finish'd, as not then begun, to him; which post of honour (say
they) _Satan_ expected to be conferr'd on himself, as next in honour,
majesty and power to God the Supreme.

This opinion is follow'd by Mr. _Milton_ too, as appears in the
following lines, where he makes all the Angels attending all a general
summons, and God the Father making the following declaration to them.

"Here, all ye Angels, prodigy of light,
"Thrones, dominions, princedoms, virtues, pow'rs!
"Hear my decree, which unrevok'd shall stand.
"This day I have begot whom I declare
"My only SON, and on this hill
"Him have anointed, whom you now behold
"At my right hand; your Head I Him appoint:
"And my self have sworn to him shall bow
"All knees in Heav'n, and shall confess him Lord,
"Under his great vice-gerent reign abide
"United, as one individual soul,
"For ever happy: Him who disobeys,
"Me disobeys, breaks union, and that day
"Cast out from GOD, and blessed vision, falls
"Into utter darkness, deep ingulph'd, his place
"Ordain'd without redemption, without end.

Satan, affronted at the appearance of a new Essence or Being in Heaven,
call'd the Son of God; for God, says Mr. _Milton_, (tho' erroneously)
declared himself at that time, saying, _This day have I begotten him_,
and that he should be set up, above all the former Powers of Heaven, of
whom Satan (as above) was the Chief and expecting, if any higher post
could be granted, it might be his due; I say, affronted at this he
resolv'd

"With all his Legions to dislodge, and leave
"Unworship'd, unobey'd, the throne supreme
"Contemptuous. ------

_Par. lost_, lib. v. fo. 140.

But Mr. _Milton_ is grosly erroneous in ascribing those words, _This day
have I begotten thee_, to that declaration of the Father before Satan
fell, and consequently to a time before the crea