¶How Angells be described. Cap. 4.
ALso Angelles be painted in manye manner shapes wonderfully altered, as Saint Denys toucheth in the end of the Angelicall Hierarchie. Truely they be paynted feathered and winged: for that they are of contrary cause & clenne from all earthlye cogitation. And they be lifted vp in effect and knowledge, and rauished to the innermost contemplati∣on of the loue of God.
They are cloathed in flerie redde cloathes, for that they be wrapped in the lyght and mantell of the knowledge and loue of God. They bee cloathed with lyght as with a garment. Psal. 104. They are gyrde with golden gir∣dles, for that they be so clipped with the habite of vertues, that they neuer slyde to vice neither to sinne. They beare in hande authorities and scepters, for after God they giue all rightfull iudgements, and rule and gouern right∣fullye all that is in this worlde, that we knowe with vtter wittes. They beare in theyr handes swordes and speares: for by vertue that is giuen to them, they warre, and destroye the vp∣roares and the enforcings of ••iends, and of other that are rebellyous. They be séene to haue Trowells, and hanging plommets, and measures, and worke∣mens tooles: For by prouision of An∣gells, God vseth to tourne euill men to good, and moueth them that they might bée made the habitation of the Holye ghost.
They haue in their handes, rule, lyn••s, and measures, for they diuide, meate, & weigh all mens works good & euill. And they are sayde to haue Phy∣als with swéet smelling things: for by dooing of them our wounds are brought to grace of health. And it is read, that they be girde as they were appa••rayled readye to goe and walke forth on their waye: for by their helpe and guyding, godlye disposed men be alwaye brought home into blysse! Also they be sayde to beare pennars and inke hornes, and other instrumentes of Writers: For that, that through theyr dooing, the pri∣uitie of Gods will, is oftentimes reuea∣led and knowen.
They bée furnished in armes, and weapon of battayle and of warre: For that by helpe of them, good men are of∣ten succoured and defended, in warre and in battayle of bodye and of soule. And the•• harpe: For that they that are worthye to bée comforted, by theyr helpe and prayers, fall not into sor∣rowe of despayre, and so to be with∣out hope.
They beare Trumpettes in theyr handes, for that they call and comforte and excite vs to profite alwaye in good∣nesse. Manye such manner things are written of the araye and doing of An∣gells, that betoken theyr meruaylous workes.