Next this ought to be considered, that we may
be in no fear of them: that if they had the power they would not
come in crowds, nor fashion displays, nor with change of form
would they frame deceits. But it would suffice that one only
should come and accomplish that which he was both able and
willing to do: especially as every one who has the power neither
slays with display nor strikes fear with tumult, but forthwith
makes full use of his authority as he wishes. But the demons as
they have no power are like actors on the stage changing their
shape and frightening children with tumultuous apparition and
various forms: from which they ought rather to be despised as
showing their weakness. At least the true angel of the Lord sent
against the Assyrian had no need for tumults nor displays from
without, nor noises nor rattlings, but in quiet he used his power
and forthwith destroyed a hundred and eighty-five thousand.
But demons like these, who have no power, try to terrify at
least by their displays