The whole-armour of GodThe vvhole-armor of God

Now consider we the particular branches of this description of our enemies. There are four distinct branches distinguished by this particle against. ¹Much ambiguity and obscurity is in this description. I will therefore as plainly as I can clear the meaning of the words.

NOw consider we the particular branches of this description of our enemies. There are foure distinct branches distinguished by this particle against. ¹Much ambiguitie and obscuritie is in this description. I will therefore as plainely as I can cleare the meaning of the words.

1. 1[Greek or Hebrew].〈non-Latin alphabet〉.

From these several branches many collect divers and distinct orders of Devils, one subordinate to another: as among men there be divers orders, some Kings, some Dukes, Earls, Barons, &c. Thus they make the Devil, mentioned^b before, the head and Monarch of all the rest: Principalities under him: powers under them, and so in the rest. For my part, I think these distinctions in this place over-curious: I deny not an order to be amongst Devils, even as amongst thieves, pirates, connycatchers, &c. There is an head and^c Prince of them. For mention is made of the^d Devil and his angels. There may be also distinct and several offices among them (as among the forenamed pirates) as some to tempt, some to accuse, some to execute vengeance, &c. For if all should do the same thing, how should the other things be done? but that certain be always tied to one place, person and function, is both uncertain and unlikely. Further, that here in this place there should be so many orders and ranks of Devils, as are distinct branches, is also uncertain; neither can any such thing by any just consequence be collected.