For though it be certain that Satan is not cast out by the power of Satan; yet one giveth place to another for a time, to this end, that they may the more easily deceive men, and obtain a kingdom. Christ truly and the apostle Paul foretold, that even the last times should be wonderfully bewitched with deceitful signs and powers. Most evident places touching that thing are extant in Matthew xxiv. 2 Thessalonians ii. chapter. More might be spoken, dearly beloved, and that at large, concerning the operations or workings of the devil; but I trust these things being gathered together in brevity are sufficient, and give occasion to muse of higher things.
But let no man so understand these things, as if the devil were able to do all things, and that what he will he can also
do by and by. For his power is definite, or limited and restrained, so that he cannot do so much as he would: otherwise all things had been overthrown and perished long ago. Therefore not without consideration I added in the describing of the devil, that he is subject to God; for he can do nothing without God’s permission. Now God permitteth him, either to exercise and try the patience of those that are his, and to hasten their salvation; as it is manifest in the history of Job, and in the words of Paul to the Corinthians, saying, Lest I should be exalted out of measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given unto me a prick to the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me.” Neither is it doubtful, that in most grievous torments of persecutions he exalteth many notable martyrs, yea, and at this day doth and in times past hath exalted such, unto glory and everlasting rest. Or else he giveth the devil leave to execute violence and cruelty upon men, by that means to chastise their wickedness or to punish their unbelief. For verily the devils are the instruments of God’s wrath, to execute his vengeance. For Paul saith: “The coming of antichrist is after the working of Satan, in all power, and signs, and wonders of lying, and in all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of truth, that they might be saved. And therefore God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe lies; that all they might be damned which believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” And this in a manner is the strength and power of sorcery and enchanting, which is feeble in the faithful.
Wherefore there is no cause why any man should miser-. ably fear the devil: But rather sanctify ye (saith Esay) the Lord of hosts!; let him be your fear and your reverence.” Some say that certain nations of the East worshipped the devil for this cause, that he should not hurt them? But these are stark staring mad. For if it be not God’s will, which even now I began to tell you, or if he give no leave, Satan cannot touch so much as a hair of thine. For he could not enter into the herd of swine, which were feeding nigh the lake
[1 ipsum, Lat. omitted; himself. ] [2 Selden de Diis Syris. Syntag. 11. cap. 6. et Add. Beyeri. p. 134.]
[Amstel. 1680.]]
Genezaret at Gadaral, and destroy them, but by the Lord’s permission. St Augustine also, expounding the thirty-second Psalm, allegeth in these werds the history of Job: “What could the devil himself do? durst he take away one silly sheep from the holy man Job, before he said, Lay thy hand on him, that is to say, give me power? He was willing, but God did not suffer him. When God gave him leave, then he was able: therefore the devil was not able, but God which gave him leave. Therefore Job being well instructed did not say, as we now are wont to say, The Lord gave, and the devil hath taken away; but, The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away?” And these things do exceedingly comfort the godly in temptations; who understand that nothing can happen to them without God’s permission, and that he permitteth nothing but that which maketh for our amendment and salvation, and therefore that we are always preserved by the providence and bountifulness of God. For whatsoever hath hitherto been spoken concerning the power and workings of the devils pertained not hitherto, to dash us out of courage and cast us down; but to make us more vigilant or watchful. The Lord, that overcame the devil and sheweth us the way to overcome him, commandeth us to watch. For therefore he encountered with Satan the first, second, and third time, to instruct us how we should fight against the enemy of mankind. He overcame him for us, that we should not despair of ability and power easily to overcome him, since he is already weakened and wounded. By faith, doubtless, we shall overcome him: for by faith we are knit unto Christ, and by faith we draw the Spirit of Christ, by the force and virtue whereof we shall triumph. Truly for that cause δύ Peter willeth us “to resist by faith.” St Paul, exhorting us unto this conflict, and furnishing us with excellent complete
[v) [1 prope paludem Gadarenam apud Gadaram, Lat. See above, i]
[Ῥ. 353, note 4.] [2 Qnid ipse diabolus? Ausus est vel unam oviculam tollere viro i]
[sancto Job, nisi prius diceret, Mitte manum tuam, hoc est, da potes- ᾿]
[tatem? Ille volebat, sed 116 non sinebat. Quando 1116 permisit, 1116 A]
[potuit: non ergo ille potuit, sed qui permisit. Ideo bene eruditus]
[ipse Job non ait, sicut jam commemorare vobis solemus, Dominus]
[dedit, et diabolus abstulit; sed, Dominus dedit, et Dominus abstulit.—]
[August. Enarrat. pars 2. in Psal, xxxii. Opp. Tom. vir. fol. 46. col. 1.]]
armour, saith: “Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to resist in the evil day, and, having finished all things, to stand fast. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with the truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness, and your feet shod that you may be prepared to the gospel of peace; above all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may quench all the fiery darts of that wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying always in all prayers and supplication in the spirit?” &e. Whereunto that also belongeth, which the same apostle witnesseth: “God doth not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able to bear, but shall with the temptation make a way to escape.” Let us therefore reverence this God; let us beseech him, that through his power and might we may overcome. Amen.
Of the Reasonable Soul of Man; And of His
← 53. Decade 4, Sermon 9, Part 1 · Contents · 55. Decade 4, Sermon 10, Part 1 →