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| Chapter VI. How the merits of each man should not be judged by his miracles.
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Chapter VI.
How the merits of each man should not be judged by his
miracles.
And so these men gave no credit
to themselves for their power of working such wonders, because they
confessed that they were done not by their own merits but by the
compassion of the Lord and with the words of the Apostle they refused
the human honour offered out
of admiration for their miracles: “Men and brethren, why marvel
ye at this, or why look ye on us as though by our own power or holiness
we had caused this man to walk.”1951
Nor did they think that any one should be renowned for the gifts and
marvels of God, but rather for the fruits of his own good deeds, which
are brought about by the efforts of his mind and the power of his
works. For often, as was said above, men of corrupt minds, reprobate
concerning the truth, both cast out devils and perform the greatest
miracles in the name of the Lord. Of whom when the Apostles complained
and said: “Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name, and
we forbade him because he followeth not with us,” though for the
present Christ replied to them “Forbid him not, for he that is
not against you is for you,”1952
still when
they say at the end: “Lord, Lord, have we not in Thy name
prophesied, and in Thy name cast out devils, and in Thy name done many
mighty works?” He testifies that then He will answer: “I
never knew you: depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.”1953
And therefore He actually warns those, to
whom He Himself has given this glory of miracles and mighty works
because of their holiness, that they be not puffed up by them, saying:
“Rejoice not because the devils are subject to you, but rejoice
rather because your names are written in heaven.”1954
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