It may not be improper to consider in a word or two, what a frightfull Idea the Holy Scriptures give us of Hell. 'Tis describ'd by all the Circumstances of Terror, by every Thing dreadful to Sense, and amazing to Thought. The Place, the Company, the Duration, are all Considerations of Astonishment. And why has God given us this solemn warning? Is it not to awaken our Fears, and guard our Happiness; To restrain the Disorders of Appetite, and to keep us within Reason, and Duty? And as for the Apostate Angels, the Scriptures inform us of their lost Condition, of their Malice and Power, of their active Industry and Experience; and all these Qualities Correspondent to the Bulk of their Nature, the Antiquity of their Being, and the Misery of their State. In short, They are painted in all the formidable Appearances imaginable, to alarm our Caution, and put us upon the utmost Defence.
Let us see now how Mr. Dryden represents these unhappy Spirits, and their Place of Abode. Why very entertainingly! Those that have a true Tast for Atheism were never better regaled. One would think by this Play the Devils were meer Mormo's and Bugbears, fit only to fright Children and Fools. They rally upon Hell and Damnation, with a great deal of Air and Pleasantry; and appear like Robin Good-fellow, only to make the Company laugh. Philidel: Is call'd a Puling Sprite. And why so? For this pious reason, because
He trembles at the yawning Gulph of Hell,
Nor dares approach the Flames least he should Singe
His gaudy silken Wings.
He sighs when he should plunge a Soul in Sulphur,
As with Compassion touch'd of Foolish Man.p. 6.[370]
The answer is, What a half Devil's he.
You see how admirably it runs all upon the Christian Scheme! Sometimes they are Half-Devils, and sometimes Hopeful-Devils, and what you please to make sport with. Grimbald is afraid of being whooped through Hell at his return, for miscarrying in his Business. It seems there is great Leisure for Diversion! There's Whooping in Hell, instead of Weeping and Wailing! One would fancy Mr. Dryden had Daylight and Company, when these Lines were written. I know his Courage is extraordinary; But sure such Thoughts could never bear up against Solitude and a Candle!
And now since he has diverted himself with the Terrors of Christianity, I dont wonder he, should treat those that Preach them with so much Civility! enter Poet in the Habit of a Peasant.