for wicked men: O ye Serpents and generation of Vipers. Thereby also is signified as well a wise as a subtil man: and in that sense did Christ himself use it, saying, Be ye wise as Serpents, &c. So that by this brief collection you see, that the word Serpent, as it is equivocal, so likewise it is sometimes taken in the good, and sometimes in the evil part. But where it is said, That the Serpent was father of lyes, author of death, and the worker of deceit; methinks it is a ridiculous opi∣nion to hold, that thereby a Snake is meant; which must be, if the letter be preferred before the Allegory. Truly Calvin's opinion is to be liked and re∣verenced, and his example to be embraced and followed, in that he offereth to subscribe to them that hold, that the Holy Ghost in that place did of purpose use ob∣scure figures, that the clear light thereof might be deferred, till Christs coming. He saith also with like commendation (speaking hereof, and writing upon this place) That Moses doth accommodate and fitten for the understanding of the common people, in a rude and gross style, those things which he there delivereth; forbearing once to rehearse the name of Satan. And further he saith, That this order may not be thought of Moses his own device; but to be taught him by the Spirit of God: for such was (saith he) in those dayes the childish age of the Church, which was unable to receive higher or profounder doctrine. Finally, he saith, even hereupon, That the Lord hath supplyed, with the secret light of his Spirit, whatsoever wanted in plainness and clear∣ness of external words.
If it be said, according to experience, That certain other Beasts are farre more subtil than the Serpent: They answer, That it is not absurd to confess, that the same gift was taken away from him, by God, because he brought destruction to mankind. Which is more (methinks) than need be granted in that behalf. For Christ saith not; Be ye wise as Serpents were, before their transgression; but, Be wise as Serpents are. I would learn what impiety, absurdity, or offence it is to hold, that Moses, under the person of a poysoning Serpent or Snake, describeth the Devil that poy∣soned Eve with his deceitful wor••s, and venomous assault. Whence cometh it else, that the Devil is called so often, The Viper, The Serpent, &c. and that his children are called the generation of Vipers; but upon this first description of the Devil made by Moses? For I think none so gross, as to suppose, that the wicked are the children of Snakes, according to the letter; no more than we are to think and gather, that God keepeth a Book of Life, written with Pen and Ink upon Paper; as Citizens record their Free-men.