The Institution of Christian Religion

They that dare take upon them to define of the multitude and degrees of Angels, let them look well what foundation they have. I grant Michael is called in Daniel,¹ the Great prince, and with Jude, the Archangel. And Paul saith, it shall be an Archangel that shall with sound of trumpet call men to the Judgement. But who can thereby appoint the degrees of honours between Angels, or discern one from an other by special marks, and appoint every one his place and standing? For the two names that are in Scripture, Michael, and Gabriel: and if you list to add the third out of the history of Tobit, may by their signification seem to be given to the Angels, according to the capacity of our weakness, although I had rather leave that exposition at large. As for the number of them, we hear by Christs mouth of many Legions,² by Daniel many companies of ten thousands, the servant of Elisha saw many chariots full: and this declareth that they are a great multitude, that it is said, they do camp round about them that fear God. As for shape, it is certain, that Spirits have none, and yet the Scripture for the capacity of our wit doth not in vain under Cherubin and Seraphin paint us out Angels with wings, to the intent we should not doubt that they will be ever with incredible swiftness, ready to succour us, so soon as need shall require, as if the lightning sent from heaven should fly unto us with such swiftness as it is wonted. What soever more than this may be sought of both these points, let us believe it to be of that sort of mysteries, whereof the full revelation is differed to the last day. Wherefore let us remember to take heed both of to much curiosity in searching and to much boldness in speaking.

They that dare take vpon theim to define of the multitude and degrees of Angels, let them looke well what fundation they haue. I graunt Michael is called in Daniel,¹ the Great prince, and with Iude, the Archangell. And Paule sayth, it shall be an Archangell that shall with sounde of trumpet call men to the Iudgement. But who can therby appoynt the degrees of honours betweene Angels, or discerne one from an other by speciall markes, and appoynt euery one his place and standyng? For the two names that are in Scripture, Michaell, and Gabriell: and if you list to adde the thirde out of the hystorie of Thobie, may by their signification seme to be geuen to the Angels, accordyng to the capacitie of our weakenesse, although I had rather leaue that exposition at large. As for the numbre of theym, wee heare by Christes mouthe of many Legions,