Sermons upon the Book of Job

Thus then we see why the Scripture sayeth that the Devil is Prince of the world: namely even to the intent, first of all to bring us low, and afterward to teach us fear and wariness, that we may call upon God, beseeching him that he will not suffer us to fall into Satan's snares, but that he will strengthen us as he hath promised to do, so as we may always keep good watch. Furthermore §50also on the other side, to the intent that Satan's puissance be not over terrible unto us to make our courage quail, and to cast us into despair: it is said unto us that he can do nothing without Gods commission, that he must be fain to ask leave of him, and that when he hath spit out both fire & flame, he can do nothing, more than God permitteth him by his good pleasure. True it is that the Devil will not cease to be furious, & to venture himself upon the pikes: but what shall that boot him, sith God will never suffer him to do otherwise than he shall think §60good, & no more. We see then to what purpose it is here declared unto us, why the Devil steppeth in among the children of God. It is not for that he wound himself in as though he had been of the company and order of the Angels: but it is to show us that he is under Gods obeisance as well as the Angels, howbeit that it is in a far other quality. For the holy Ghost nameth him adversary, whereas the Angels are called the children of God, to signify unto us that the Angels obey with their good will, and that they be willing servants, whereas Satan is enforced, so as there is nothing but necessity and constraint in him. But let us now come to that which the Scripture addeth: namely that God demanded of Satan, from whence he came, and that Satan answered, from going about the Earth, yea even to bunt. When such rehearsals are made, we know always how it is for our infirmity: for God needed not to enquire what Satan had done in the world. But what then? Forasmuch as our rudeness and the small measure of our understanding comprehend not these things: it behoveth us (as I said afore) that there be such a declaration as is agreeable to us. And herein we see the goodness of God: in that he frameth himself unto us: & because we cannot attain unto him, nor mount so high:

Thus then we see why the Scripture sayeth that the Diuell is Prince of the world: namely euen to the intent, first of all to bring vs lowe, and afterward to teach vs feare and warenesse, that wee may call vpon God, beseeching him that he will not suffer vs to fall into Satans snares, but that he will strengthen vs as he hath promised to do, so as we may alwayes keepe good watch. Furthermore