The works of the reverend and faithful servant of Jesus Christ M. Richard Greenham,…The workes of the reuerend and faithfull seruant af Iesus Christ M. Richard Greenham,…

That ye may be able to withstand. The Apostle describes our enemies. If we had to deal but with our selves, or with men like to our selves, or with the world, we had need of God his power; but seeing beside all these we are to deal with all the hellish army, much more we need this: we are not only to fight against the flesh and the world, but against the devils: neither must we think that Paul denieth in this place that we should fight with our own corruption, but he showeth we fight not only with ourselves and with the world, but with Satan too, and so that we need more armour. By two things he describes our enemies, by their might, and subtlety. For their might he calls them principalities and powers. This title is given to the devils, Rom. 8. Colloss. 1. Indeed these names are given to the good Angels, as Ephes. 1. Hebr. 1. so that look what titles are given to the good Angels, are given to the wicked spirits, which, except sanctification, are equal in gifts to the good Angels; for though these spirits have lost their goodness, yet have they not lost their strength and wisdom. They be worldly governors. God be blessed their government reacheth not to heaven, but to the world, yea of the darkness of the world. Thus he distinguisheth of the world as it is by creation, and so God is the prince of it, and as it is now by corruption, and so the Devil is the god of the world. This teacheth us, when Satan shall prevail, even over men living in ignorance and ungodliness. The world was made good by creation, but degenerated to evil by corruption. Well we see the devil is called the prince of the world, and he saith of himself that all is his. It is not so by creation, but be the righteous judgement of God all is in his hands to punish our sins, or try our faith.

That yee may bee able to withstand. The Apostle describes our enemies. If wee had to deale but with our selues, or with men like to our selues, or with the world, wee had neede of God his power; but seeing beside all these wee are to deale with all the hellish armie, much more we neede this: we are not only to fight against the flesh and the world, but against the diuels: neither must we thinke that Paul denieth in this place that wee should fight with our owne corruption, but he sheweth we fight not only with ourselues and with the world, but with Satan too, and so that we neede more armour. By two things hee describes our enemies, by their might, and subtiltie. For their might he cals them principalities and powers. This title is giuen to the diuels,