2. By Quality
- He is Vncleane; and that in regard of his
- Condition.
- Perdition.
Condition or property in himselfe: Perdition, which he doth worke vpon others; for hee labours to in∣fect man, that he may make him, both in wicked∣nesse, and wretchednesse, like himselfe.
1. Vncleane, in respect of his owne Condition. The Deuill was by creation good. God made him an Angel of light; he made himselfe an Angel of dark∣nesse. God saw euery thing that he had made: and be∣hold, it was very good. If euery parcel of the Crea∣tors workmanship was perfect; without denial those Angels which once stood before his face, and atten∣ded the hests of the Lord of hosts, were principally perfect. Therefore the deuill, as he is a creature, is good: according to S. Augustine. Ipsius Diaboli na∣tura, in quantum natura est, non est mala. The nature of the deuill, insomuch as it is a nature, is not euill. But Iohn. 8. When he speaketh a lye, he speaketh of his owne. He deriued his nature from God, but the de∣priuation of it from himselfe. He was good by ge∣neration, is euill by degeneration. In that he is E∣uill, or Deuill, he may thanke himfelfe for it. A Spi∣rit of Gods, vncleane of his owne making. Quòd spiritus, a Deo est: quòd impurus, a seipso.
2. Vncleane, by his operation and effects.
His labour & delight is to make man as vnclean, as himselfe. He striues to make Iudas his heart foule