Chapter 19 Title Thirteen

Title Thirteen 750-873 (803) 362, 921-868 Beginning—miracles can distinguish doctrines, and doctrines can distinguish miracles. There are false ones and real ones.There must be a sign to know them; otherwise they are useless.However, they are not useless, but the basis.The rule it gives us must therefore be this: it must not destroy the proof of the truth, which is the chief aim of miracles, which is borne by true miracles. Moses gave two guidelines: that the prophecies do not come true, see Deut. 18; and that they never lead to idolatry, see Deut. 13; whereas Jesus Christ gave only one.

If it is doctrine that prescribes miracles, then miracles are of no use to doctrine. If miracles dictated…. A rebuttal to this maxim—discrimination in time.One rule is in Moses' time and one rule is in the present. 755-904 (804) 937-869 Miracle—A miracle is an effect beyond the means which man can exercise to the forces of nature; a non-miracle is an effect which is not beyond the means which man can exercise to the forces of nature.Therefore a man who is healed by invoking the devil does no miracle, for it is not beyond the devil's natural power.but……. 745-470 (805) 932-849 There are two foundations, one internal and one external; charisms, miracles, both supernatural.

746-884 (806) 941-880 Both miracles and truths are necessary because of the necessity of convincing the whole man, both in body and in soul. 748-893 (807) 939-876 It is always either man talking about the real God, or the real God speaking to man. 627-883 (808) 957-874 Jesus Christ was never based on the holy books and prophecies but always confirmed his doctrine with his miracles, which proves that he is the Messiah. He proved that he miraculously forgives sins. Jesus Christ said that you should not enjoy your miracles, but that your name is written in heaven. If they didn't believe in Moses, they wouldn't believe in the resurrection either.

Nicodemus, by his miracles, recognized that his doctrine was of God: Scimus quia venisti a Deo magister; nemo en im potest haec signa facere quae tu facis nisi Deus euerit cum eo. [Master, we know that you are from God; for no one can perform the miracles that you do, except with God.] "John 3, verse 2: "We know that you are A teacher who comes from God, for no one can do the signs you perform except God." He does not judge miracles by doctrine, but by doctrine. The Jews had a doctrine of God, as we have a doctrine of Jesus Christ, and was confirmed by miracles; they were forbidden to believe in all miracle-workers, and, moreover, it was prescribed to consult the High Priest and to follow him firmly. priest.

So whatever reason we may have for refusing to believe in the miracle-workers, they have for their prophets. Yet they are sinful for rejecting the prophets and Jesus Christ for their miracles; and they would not be sinful if they had not seen miracles: Nisifecissem  … peccatum non haberent. [If I hadn't done it...they wouldn't be guilty. ] John 15, verse 24: "If I had not done among them what no one else had done, they would have been without sin." Thus, all belief is based on miracles. Prophecies are not called miracles: St. John, for example, speaks of the first miracle at Cana, then of Jesus Christ's words to the Samaritan woman whom he had revealed her whole secret life, and then healed The centurion's son, and St. John called this "the second sign."

627(a)-579(809) 886-871 A combination of miracles. 627(b)-872(810)927-872 The second miracle may assume the first; but the first cannot assume the second. 624-369A (811) 924-879 Without miracles, people would not be guilty of not believing in Jesus Christ. 625—354 (812)—877 St. Augustine said: Without miracles, I would not be a Christian. 749-897 (813) 895-875 Miracles—how I hate those who make miracle skeptics!Montaigne, as necessary, speaks of them in two places.In one place we see how prudent he is, but in another he believes and mocks unbelievers. Anyway, if they are right, the Church has nothing to prove.

749(a)-894(814) 841-561 Montaigne was against miracles. Montaigne was in favor of miracles. 626-473 (815) 893-903 It is impossible to have a reasonable objection to belief in miracles. 281-431 (816) 853-867 He who does not believe is the most believing.Instead of believing in the miracles of Moses, they believed in the miracles of Vespasian. 825-477 (817) 925-881 Title: Why do people believe so many liars who claim to have seen miracles, but not anyone who claims to have the secret to immortality or rejuvenation—considering why people place so much faith in so many I think the real reason why so many liars, who say they have a cure, so often put their lives in their hands, is that there is a real cure; for if there is no real cure, then It would be impossible for there to be so many false cures and people place so much confidence in them.If there were never any cure for any evil, and if all evils were incurable, it would be impossible for anyone to imagine that they could make a remedy; He who boasted that he possessed the cure; just as no one would believe him if he boasted that he could keep people from dying, for there was never any precedent for such a thing.But since a great number of remedies have been found to be true by the personal knowledge of the greatest men, so has faith been captivated by them; The conclusion is that it exists.Because people generally reason like this: "something is possible, therefore it exists"; because since some specific effects are true, this thing cannot be denied in general, so people can't argue. I don't know which of these specific effects are real, I believe them all.

In the same way, it is precisely because there are true actions in the moon that it is believed to have so many false actions, such as the tides of the oceans. The same is true of prophecies, miracles, dreams, sorcery, and so on.For if there had never been anything real in all this, men would not believe in any of it; so let us not conclude that, because there are so many false miracles, there are no real miracles at all; Rather, it must be said that since there are so many false miracles, there must be true miracles, and that there are false miracles precisely because there are true miracles.With regard to religion we must infer in the same manner; for if there had never been a true religion, it is impossible that mankind could have conceived so many false religions.The objection to this is that the savages also have a religion; but to this we may reply that they too have heard of true religions, such as those represented by the Flood, circumcision, St. Andro's cross, etc. .

825(a)-478(818)882-870 Considering how there are so many false miracles, false revelations, witchcraft, etc., I think the real reason is that [of them] are true; for there could not be so many false miracles if there were no truth in them; There cannot be so many false revelations if there is no truth in them; nor can there be so many false religions if there is not one true religion in them.For if there had never been any of this, it is unlikely that anyone would have imagined it, and it is especially unlikely that so many other people would have believed in it.But since some very great things are true, and they are believed as such by great men, this impression is what makes almost all men believe things that are false.Instead of concluding, therefore, that since there are so many false miracles, there are no true miracles at all; on the contrary we must say that since there are so many false miracles, there must be true miracles, and why there are There are false miracles precisely because there are true miracles; and likewise there are false religions precisely because there is a true religion. —The objection to this is:

Savages also have a religion; but that is because they have heard of the true religions, such as those represented by the cross of St. Andrew, the Flood, circumcision, and so on. This is due to the fact that the human mind, finding itself drawn to this side according to the truth, thus becomes apt to feel its falsity in its entirety.... 755(a)-890(819) 942-905 Jeremiah 23, verse 32, Miracles of the false prophet.In Hebrew and Vatapur it is treachery. Miracles don't always mean miracles. In Chapter 15 of 1 Kings, miracle refers to fear, and it is the same in Hebrew. The same is evident in the book of Job, see chapter 33, verse 7.See also Isaiah 21, verse 4; Jeremiah 44, verse 12. Portentum refers to Simulacrum; Jer. 50, verse 38, also in Hebrew and Vatapur. "I" Chapter 8, Verse 18: Jesus Christ said that he and everything about him will be a miracle.

757-898 (820) 849-889 If the devil favors that doctrine which destroys himself, he will be divided, as Jesus Christ said.Had God favored that doctrine which would destroy the Church, He would have divided it too: Omne regnum divi sum [Great division of the nation]. Chapter 12 of "Matthew", verse 25: "Whenever a nation is divided against itself, it becomes a wasteland"; see also chapter 11, verse 17 of "Luke".For Jesus Christ acted against the devil and destroyed his dominion over the human heart - symbolized by the demon strike - in order to establish the Kingdom of God.Therefore, he added: si in digito Dei... regnum Dei ad vos. [In the name of God... the kingdom of God comes to you. 〕 Luke chapter 11, verse 20: "If I cast out demons by the power of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you." 758-882 (821) 946-878 There is a big difference between trial and error.God tempts, yet He does not cause error.Temptation provides opportunity, it never imposes necessity; if people do not love God, they will do a certain thing.And to lead to error is to make it necessary for one to draw absurd conclusions and to follow them. 763—906 (822) 860—Abraham, Gideon: [signs] beyond revelation.Jews who judge miracles according to the Holy Book blind themselves.God never forsakes his true worshipers. I would rather follow Jesus Christ than anyone else because He has miracles, prophecies, doctrines, eternity, etc. Donatus: There are no miracles that make it necessary to say that it is the devil. The more we specialize God, Jesus Christ, the Church.... 759—876 (823) 945—If there were no false miracles, then we would have certainty.If there were no criterion by which to distinguish them, miracles would be useless, and there would be no reason for belief. But as far as the world is concerned, there is no certainty in the world, but only reason. 761-895 (824) 936-589 Either God infiltrated false miracles, or God foretold them; and in either case, He elevates Himself above what is supernatural to us, and elevates us ourselves get there. 762-729 (825) 946-817 Miracles are not for conversion, but for condemnation (Q. 113, A. 10, Ad. 2). 760-874 (826) 951-817 The reason why people do not believe. Covenant chapter 12, section 37. Cum autem tanta signa eecisset, non prede bant in eum, ut sermo Isayae impteretur Excaecavit, [The words of Isaiah were fulfilled, that they did not believe in him in spite of all his miracles. Make them blind, and so on. ] "John's Gospel" Chapter 12, verses 37-40: "Though he performed many signs before them, they still did not believe in him; this was to fulfill what was said by the prophet Isaiah, . . . the Lord made them blind Eye……". etc. Haec dixit Isaias, quando vidit gloriam ejus et locatus est de eo. [Isaiah said this when he saw his glory and spoke of him. ] "John" chapter 12, verse 41: "Because Isaiah saw his glory, he said this of him." "Judaei signa petunt et Graeci sapientiam queerunt, nos autem Jesum crucieixum." ["The Jews want miracles, the Greeks want wisdom, and we preach Jesus crucified." 〕 "1 Corinthians" chapter 1, verse 22: "The Jews want miracles, the Greeks want wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified." Sed plenum signis, sed plenum sapientia; vos autem Christum non crucieixum et religionem sine miraculis et sine sapientia. [Though full of miracles, though full of wisdom, your Christ was not crucified, and your religion has neither miracles nor wisdom. ] By the way, this sentence is added by the author himself. The "you" in the sentence refers to the Jesuits. What makes people not believe in true miracles is lack of love. Covenant: Sed vos non credititis, quia non estis ex ovibus. [But you don't believe it because you are not sheep. 〕John 10 Chapter, Section 26: "It's just that you don't believe it, because you are not my sheep." It is lack of love that makes people believe in false miracles. Chapter 2 of Thessa. The basis of religion.That is a miracle.So what?Did God speak against miracles, against the foundations of faith in him? If God exists, then faith in God must exist on earth. However, the miracles of Jesus Christ were not foretold by the Antichrist, but the miracles of the Antichrist were foretold by Jesus Christ.Therefore, if Jesus Christ is not the Messiah, he can indeed cause error; but the Antichrist cannot indeed cause error.When Jesus Christ foretells the miracles of the Antichrist, does he want to destroy faith in his own miracles? Moses foretells Jesus Christ and commands people to follow him; Jesus Christ foretells the Antichrist and forbids people to follow him. In the days of Moses it was impossible for men to maintain their faith in the Antichrist, who was not yet known; but in the days of the Antichrist it was impossible to believe in the known Jesus Christ. Very easy. There is no reason to believe in the Antichrist that cannot be used to believe in Jesus Christ; yet there are reasons to believe in Jesus Christ that cannot be used to believe in the Antichrist. 756, 756(a)-877(827) 950-587 "Judges" chapter 13, verse 23: "If the Lord would have us die, he would not have shown us all these things." Hezekiah.Sennacherib. "Jeremiah".The false prophet Hananiah died in the seventh month. The third chapter of "Under Macha": The temple was prepared to be plundered, but it was rescued miraculously. —Chapter 15 of Under the Macha. Chapter 17 of "1 Kings": Elijah raised the child back to life, and the widow said to Elijah, "Only by this, I know that your words are true." Chapter 18 of 1 Kings: Elijah with the prophets of Baal. In disputes about the true God, about the truth of religion, it never happens that a miracle is on the side of error instead of on the side of truth. 766(a)-889(828)887-588 Controversy—Abel, Cain; Moses, the magicians; Elijah, the false prophet; Jeremiah, Hananiah; Micaiah, the false prophet; Jesus Christ, the Pharisees; St. Paul, Ba— Jesus; apostles, exorcists; Christians and unbelievers; Catholics, heretics; Elijah, Enoch; Antichrist. Always the real prevails over the miracle.Two kinds of crosses. 623-879 (829) 933-793 Jesus Christ said that the Holy Books testified to him, but he did not say in what ways. Even prophecy, while Jesus Christ was alive, could not prove him; therefore, people could not be guilty of not believing in him before his death, if miracles were not enough without doctrine.But those who did not believe in him while he lived were sinners, as he himself and mercilessly said.There must therefore have been an instruction which they had resisted.But they have none of ours, but only miracles; so miracles suffice when the doctrine is not contrary; and one ought to believe it. John chapter 7, verse 40. The arguments among the Jews are as they are among the Christians at present.Some people believe in Jesus Christ and others do not believe in him because it was prophesied that he would be born in Bethlehem.They had better beware that he was not Jesus Christ.Since his miracles were convincing, they should have been quite sure of these supposed contradictions between his doctrine and the Holy Book; but the obscurity did not forgive them but blinded them.Those who at present refuse to believe in miracles because of a hypothetical and purely false contradiction are therefore inexcusable. Said the Pharisee to the nation that believed in him on the basis of his miracles: "Cursed is this nation that does not know the law; but is there a prince or a Pharisee who believes in him? For we Know that no prophet came from Galilee".Nicodemus replied: "Does our law condemn a man before he hears him? (Let alone such a man who has performed such a miracle)." 621-476 (830) 920-615 Prophecies used to be ambiguous: they are not anymore. LII—901 (831) 894—564 The five propositions were once ambiguous, but they are no longer so. LIII-797 (832) 907-471 Because people already have miracles, miracles are no longer necessary now.But when tradition is no longer listened to, when nothing is said but the Pope, when people frighten people about him, the real source of truth (which is tradition) is thereby excluded and thus misrepresenting the Pope (who is the trustee of truth) when truth is no longer free to appear: when people no longer talk about truth, truth itself must come out and speak to people.This is what happened in the time of Arius. (Miracle under Diocletian and under Arius.) LV—475 (833) 868—444 Miracles—the people themselves have come to this conclusion; but if I had to tell you the reasons for it...   It is a sad thing to be an exception to the norm.Norms must even be strict, with no exceptions.But since it must have exceptions, we must judge it strictly but justly. LIⅣ—888 (834) 930—251 John 6, verse 26; Non quia vidistis signa, sed quia saturati estit. [Not because you have seen a miracle, but because you are full. ] John 6, verse 26 Verse: "You sought me not because you saw miracles, but because you ate the loaves and were filled." Those who follow Jesus Christ because of his miracles, venerate his power in all its wonders; but those who profess to follow him for his miracles, really do so only because he but follow him if they can comfort them and gratify their worldly goods; they do not honor his miracles when they conflict with their enjoyment. Chapter 9 of the Testament: Non est hic homo a Deo, qui sab batum non custodit. Alii: Quomodo potest homo peccator haec signa  facere? [This man is not from God, he does not keep the Sabbath.Others: How can this sinner perform miracles? ] John 9, 1 Verse 6: "Some of the Pharisees said that this man was not from God because he did not keep the Sabbath. Others said, How could a sinner perform such a miracle?" Which one is the clearest? This house is not God's; for the people here do not believe that the five propositions are in Jansen.Others: This house is God's; for many strange miracles have been wrought in it. Which one is the clearest? Tu quid dicis? Dico quia propheta est． Nisi esH set hic a Deo, non poterat eacere quidquam. [Who did you say?I say he is a prophet.If he hadn't come from God, he couldn't have done anything. ] Chapter 9 of "John's Gospel", Section 17: "What kind of person do you say he is? He said that he was a prophet"; Section 33: "If this man does not come from God, he can do nothing." "This house" refers to Pou Royal Monastery. 752-886 (835) 949-284 In the Old Testament, when people push you away from God.In the New Testament, when people push you away from Jesus Christ.These are reasons for excluding the marked miracles from faith.There is no need to do anything else to exclude. Does it follow from this that they have a right to reject all prophets who come among them?no.They are guilty of not excluding those who deny God; and they are guilty of excluding those who do not deny God. Therefore, whenever we see miracles, we must either worship, or have the opposite sign of astonishment.We have to see if it is denying God or Jesus Christ or the Church. 751-880 (836) 905-285 There is a big difference between being honest about Jesus Christ and pretending to be about Jesus Christ.The former can perform miracles, the latter cannot; for the former is plainly opposed to the truth, the latter is not; 629-881 (837) 935-286 That we must love the one God is so obvious that it needs no miracle to prove it. 620-365 (838) 889-287 Jesus Christ wrought miracles, followed by the Apostles, and a host of first saints; and since the prophecies were not yet fulfilled and are being fulfilled by them, there is nothing to witness but miracles.It was foretold that the Messiah would convert the nations.How can this prophecy be fulfilled without the conversion of all nations?And if the nations cannot see the final fulfillment of these prophecies that can prove the Messiah, how can they convert to the Messiah?Thus, nothing was consummated until his death, resurrection, and conversion of the nations; therefore there must be miracles throughout this time.But now they are not needed against the Jews, for the fulfilled prophecy is a lasting miracle. 753-887 (839) 891-288 "If you don't believe me, at least you should believe in miracles."He mentions these words as the strongest. It has been said to the Jews, as to the Christians, that they should not always believe the prophet; yet the Pharisees and Jewish historians exaggerate his miracles, and try to show that they are false or wrought by the devil of God; and if they admit that they are from God, there will be a need of conviction. We have not bothered to make this distinction for the present.Yet it is easy to do: no one who denies neither God nor Jesus Christ has performed any inconclusive miracles. Nemo facit virtuem in nomine meo, et cito possit de me male loqui. [No one can do wonders in my name and slander me easily. 〕"Mark Gospel" Chapter 9, verse 39: "Because no one works miracles in my name, but it is easy to slander me". But we need not make this distinction at all.Here lies a sacred relic.Here is a thorn in the crown of the Savior of the world, over which the prince of the world has no authority, but which works miracles by the inherent authority of that blood shed for us.Therefore God Himself chose that house, that His majesty might shine there radiantly. What makes it difficult for us to distinguish is not the man who performed these miracles by an unknown and questionable virtue, but God himself, but the means of suffering his only Son, which he chose in many places a means, and bring men from every corner to receive this miraculous consolation in the midst of their toil. LVII-891 (840) 940-287 The Church has three enemies: the Jews, who never belonged to its body; the heretics, who have withdrawn from its body; and the bad Christians, who divide it from within. These three different opponents often attack it in different ways.But here they are attacking it in the same way.Since none of them had miracles, and the Church always had them against them, they both had the same interest in evading them; Doctrine to judge miracles.There are also two schools among those who listen to Jesus Christ: one that follows his doctrine because of his miracles; the other that says...  In Calvin's day there were two schools of thought. ... Now there are the Jesuits, and so on. 766, LIⅣ—814, 907 (841) 952—Miracle distinguishes difficult things: Jews from Gentiles, Jews from Christians, Catholics from heretics, maligned from slanderers, and Two different crosses. But with heretics miracles will be useless; for the Church, authoritative by miracles which preoccupied people's faith, tells us that they have no real faith.No doubt they did not believe, for the first miracles of the Church had repelled their faith.Thus the first and greatest on the part of the church had miracles against miracles. These girls were greatly troubled by what they said was their way to perdition, that their confessors led them to Geneva, that they tricked them into saying that Jesus Christ was neither in the sacrament nor at the right hand of the Father. Amazed; they know that all this is absurd, and they consecrate themselves to God in such a state: Vide si via iniquitatis in me est.See if there is any sin in me]. Psalm 139, verse 24: "See if there is any wicked way in me, lead me in the way everlasting". What is going on here?In what was said to be the temple of the devil, God made it his own temple.It is said that the children had to be removed from there, but God healed them there.It is said to be the powder magazine of hell, but God made it the sanctuary of his grace.Finally, men threatened them with all kinds of wrath and all kinds of divine retribution, but God poured out his own favor on them.It must be insane to conclude that they were thus on the road to perdition. (We undoubtedly bear the same sign of St. Athanasius.) 627(a)—885(842) 888—"Situes Christus, dicnobis." [If you are the Christ, tell us. ] See "Luke" Chapter 22, Section 67. "Opera quaeeg of acioinnomine Patris mei, haectesti moniumperhibentdeme. Sedvosnoncreditisquianonestis exovibusmeis. Ovesmeivocemmeamaudiunt. [I act in the name of the Father, and this is my testimony. But you do not believe, because you are not my sheep. My sheep hear my voice.] ] See Chapter 5, Verse 36, and Chapter 10, Verses 26-27 of John's Gospel. "Covenant" chapter 6, verse 30: "Quodergotueacissignumut videamusetcredamustibi?" -Nondicunt: Quamdoctri nampraedicas? ["What miracle did you perform, that we would believe you when we saw you"?They did not say: What doctrine do you preach? 〕 According to this, the previous sentence comes from Chapter 6, Section 30 of the Gospel of John, and the latter sentence is the interpretation added by the author himself. "NemopotestfaceresignaquaetufacisnisiDeus". [No one can do the miracles you do but God. ] See John 3, verse 2. "Under Macha", Chapter 14, Section 15: "Deus qui signis eviH dentibus suam portionem protegit". [God protects himself with remarkable miracles. ] "Volumus signum videre de caelo, tentantes eum". [Someone tempted him, asking to see a miracle from heaven. 〕"Luke Gospel" Chapter 11, Section 16: "Someone tempted Jesus and asked him for a miracle from heaven". Chapter 11, verse 16 of Luke. "Generatio prava signum quaerit; et non dabitur". [A disturbed generation demands miracles, and no miracles are given to them. ] "Matthew" chapter 12, verse 39: "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign, and no sign is given to them except the sign of the prophet Jonah." "Et ingemiscens ait: Quid generatio ista signum quaerit". [(Jesus) sighed and said, why does this generation seek miracles? ] (Mark 18, verse 12) That generation demanded a sign of malice. "Et non poterat  facere". [Can't do anything. ] "Mark" chapter 6, verse 5: "Jesus could not perform any miracles there." Yet he promised to give them the sign of Jonah, the greatest and incomparable sign of his resurrection. "Nisi videritis signa, non credititis". [If you have not seen a miracle, you will not believe it. 〕 Chapter 4, verse 48 of John's Gospel: "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will never believe." He does not condemn them for not believing without miracles; but for not believing unless they themselves are witnesses of miracles. St. Paul says that the Antichrist in signis mendacibus. [In the sign of a lie] 2 Thessalonians 2, verse 2: "There is a letter in my name, saying that the day of the Lord has now come". 2 Thessalonians Chapter two. "Secundum operationem Satanae, in seductione iis qui perunt eo quod charitatem veritatis non receperunt ut salvi eierent, ideo mittet illis Deusoptationes erroris ut credant mendacio". [According to the actions of Satan, tempting those who are perishing because they do not accept the truth of love to save themselves; God therefore gives them false desires in order to believe lies. ] "Second Thessalonians" Chapter 2, verses 9-11: "According to the work of Satan, who practiced all kinds of deception of unrighteousness, because they did not receive the love of the truth that they might be saved, therefore God gave them a deceitful mind, that they should believe a lie." As in this passage of Moses: Tentat enim vos Deus, utrum diligatis eum. [God is testing you to see if you love him. ] Deuteronomy Chapter 13, Verse 3: "This is the test of the LORD your God, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul." Ecce praedixi vobis: vos ergo videte. [Behold, I have foretold you; therefore you yourselves will see. ] Chapter 24 of "Matthew", verses 25-26: "Behold, I have told you in advance. If anyone says to you, behold...". 754—878 (843) 908—This is not the land of truth at all. Truth wanders among people but is not recognized by people.God has covered it with a veil, which makes it unknown to those who have not heard its voice.The field is thus opened to blasphemy, even to truths which are at least eminently obvious.If the truth of the Gospel was proclaimed, the opposite was proclaimed; and the question was so obscure that the people could not discern it.They asked, "What do you have that will make people believe in you and nothing else? What signs have you made? You have only words, and we have. If you have miracles, that's fine." .It is a truth that doctrine should be supported by miracles; but miracles are abused to profane doctrine.If miracles occur, it is said that they are not enough without doctrine; and this is another truth which may be used to blaspheme miracles. Jesus Christ healed people who were born blind and performed numerous miracles on the Sabbath.By this he blinded the Pharisees who claimed that miracles must be judged by doctrine. "We have Moses; but this man here, we don't know where he came from." You don't know where he came from, and that's the most admirable thing; and he did such a miracle. Jesus Christ spoke neither against God nor against Moses. 新旧两约所预告过的反基督者和假先知们，将要公开反上帝并反耶稣基督。谁要是未曾隐蔽……；谁要是暗藏的敌人，上帝就不会允许他公开行奇迹。 在一场双方都自称是为了上帝、为了耶稣基督、为了教会的公开争论里，奇迹是从来不会在假基督徒那一边的，而另一边则从来不会没有奇迹。 “他被鬼附着”。《约》第10章，第21节。又有人说： “鬼也能打开盲人的眼睛吗”？ 耶稣基督与使徒们从圣书中所引的证明并不是论证性的；因为他们仅仅说摩西说过会有一个先知到来，然而他们并没有由此证明那就是这里的这个人；而这就是全部的问题之所在。因而这些假话只不过用以表明人们并未违反圣书，并且其中也绝没有任何乖舛，而并非表明其中是符合一致的。故此只要把乖舛和奇迹一道加以排除，就够了。 上帝与人之间有一种相互的义务才好行事，也才好赐予。 Venite。Quid debui？〔来吧。有什么该做的呢？〕《以赛亚书》第5章，第4节上帝在《以赛亚》中说：“谴责我吧”。 上帝应该履行他的诺言，等等。 人类对上帝应该是接受他所赐给他们的宗教。上帝对人类应该是不把他们引向错误。 可是，假如奇迹〔的〕制造者宣布了一种对于常识的见解来说并非显而易见是虚妄的学说，并且假如一个更大的奇迹制造者又不曾警告过人们不要相信它们；那末他们就会被引向错误了。 因此，假如教会之中发生了分裂，例如假若自称也像天主教一样是建立在圣书的基础之上的阿里乌斯派做出了奇迹而并非天主教徒做出了奇迹，那么人们就会被引向错误了。 因为，正如一个向我们宣布上帝的秘密的人并不配以其私人的权威而受到我们信任，并且正是因此，不信神的人才要怀疑他；同样地有一个人以使死者复活，预告未来，搬移大海，医愈病人作为其与上帝相通的标志，那末就不会有不虔敬者是不向他低头膜拜的了；而法老和法利赛人的不信仰便是一种超自然的顽固性的结果。 因此当我们看到奇迹与不受怀疑的学说都在一边时，就不会有什么困难。但当我们看到奇迹与〔受人怀疑〕的学说都在同一边时，这时我们就必须看看到底哪一个才是最明确的。耶稣基督是受人怀疑的。 巴耶稣瞎了眼。上帝的力量超过了他的敌人的力量。 犹太的驱魔者受到魔鬼的鞭挞时说道：“我认得耶稣和保罗，然而你们又是谁呢”？ 奇迹是为了学说的，而并非学说是为了奇迹的。 假如奇迹是真的，我们就能说服人相信所有的学说了吗？ 不能，因为这是不会发生的。Si angelus……。〔无论是天使〕准则：我们必须根据奇迹来判断学说，又必须根据学说来判断奇迹。这都是真的，而且并不互相矛盾。 因为我们必须分清时间。 你们知道了这些普遍的准则该是多么轻快啊，你们想着从此可以抛却麻烦并使一切都归于无用了吧！我的父啊，我们要阻止你们这样做：真理只有一个并且是坚固的。 由于上帝的责任，所以一个人不可能隐蔽起自己的坏学说，使之只表现为好学说，并自称符合上帝和教会；从而做出奇迹使一种虚妄而精巧的学说不知不觉地流行起来，就是办不到的。 更加不可能的是：认识人心的上帝竟会做出奇迹来偏袒这样的一个人。 LⅧ，LⅩⅪ—867（844）909—宗教的三个标志：永恒性、善良的生活、奇迹。他们以概然性摧毁了永恒性，以他们的道德摧毁了善良的生活，又在摧毁奇迹的真理或其结论时摧毁了奇迹。 假如我们相信了他们，教会对于永恒性、圣洁以及奇迹就无事可做了。异端是否定这些的，或者是否定其结论的；他们也是一样。但是根本就不需要什么真诚才可以否定这些，也不需要丧失理智才可以否定其结论。 人们从没有为了其自称所见过的奇迹而使自己殉道的，因为人类的愚蠢或许会〔为了〕土耳其人传说中所信仰的那些东西而不惜殉道，但绝不会为了自己所见过的东西。 LⅪ—896（845）869—异端总是在攻击这三种为他们所并不具备的标志。 768—900（846）874—第一条反驳：“从天上来的使者。我们绝不可根据奇迹来判断真理，而必须根据真理来判断奇迹。因而奇迹就是无用的”。 可是它们有用，并且它们绝不能违反真理，因而林让德神父所说的：“上帝不会容许一个奇迹可能引向错误”……。 当同一个教会之内有了争执的时候，奇迹就会做出决定。 第二条反驳：“但是反基督者将会做出标志”。 法老的魔法师绝没有诱人陷入错误。因此关于反基督者，我们就不能向耶稣基督说“：你把我引入了错误”。因为反基督者要使他们反对耶稣基督，因此就不能引向错误。 要末上帝就根本不容许假奇迹，要末他就是要取得更大的奇迹。 〔自从世界开始以来，耶稣基督是始终存在的；这就比反基督者的一切奇迹都更加有力〕。 假如在同一个教会之内奇迹是出现在错误那方面，人们就会被引向错误了。教会的分裂是看得见的，奇迹也是看得见的。然而教会的分裂之为错误的标志更有甚于奇迹之为真理的标志；因而奇迹就不能引向错误。 然而除了教会的分裂而外，错误之显而易见就不如奇迹之显而易见了，因而奇迹就会引向错误。 Ubi est Deus tuus？〔你的上帝在哪里呢？〕见《诗篇》第42篇，第3节。 奇迹就指明了他，奇迹就是光。 770—735（847）872—圣诞节晚祷的颂歌之一： Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis corde。 〔光在黑暗中向正直的心升起。 〕 《诗篇》第112篇，第4节：“正直人在黑暗中，有光向他发见。” 769—733（848）871—假若上帝的仁慈是如此之巨大，甚至当他隐蔽起自己的时候，他也还在教导着我们；那末当他显现自己的时候，还有什么光明是我们不该期待于他的呢？ 805，LX—820（849）896—Est et non est〔是与否〕在信仰本身之中会不会也像奇迹那样地为人接受呢？并且假如这在其它的里面也是分不开的……。 当圣沙忽略成就了奇迹的时候。 ——〔圣希莱尔。 ——可怜的人们啊，你们迫使我们谈论奇迹。 〕不义的审判者啊，此刻不要制订法律吧；就根据已有的法律并根据你们自己来做出判断吧：Vae qui conditis leges iniquas。 〔你们这些设立了不义的法律的人们有祸了。 〕《以赛亚书》第10章，第1节：“〔祸哉，那些设立不义之律例的”。 〕 连续不断的、虚假的奇迹。 为了要削弱你的对手，你解除了整个教会的武装。 假如他们说，我们的得救有赖于上帝，那便是“异端”。假如他们说，他们服从教皇，那便是“伪善”。假如他们准备签署他们全部的信仰条款，那也还不够。假如他们说不应该为一个苹果而杀人，“他们便是攻击天主教的道德”。 假如他们中间成就了奇迹，那也不是圣洁的标志，相反地那倒有异端的嫌疑。 教会始终得以存在的方式便是真理没有争论；或者假如有争论的话，也还有教皇，不然也还有教会。 764，LI—902（850）873—五条被谴责的命题并不是什么奇迹；因为真理并没有遭受攻击。然而索邦……然而教皇的圣谕……。 全心全意爱上帝的人竟然不认识教会，这是不可能的，它是太显著了。——不爱上帝的人竟然信服教会，这也是不可能的。 奇迹具有那么大的力量，乃至上帝也必须警告人们说，绝不可想到奇迹就违背上帝，尽管上帝的存在乃是明白不过的事；没有这一点它们就足以令人惶惑了。 因此，《申》第十三章那些假话，远不是反对奇迹的权威，反倒是再没有别的更能标明它那力量的了。对于反基督者，也是一样：“只要有可能就不惜诱惑选民。” 747，767，771，LⅩⅢ—908（851）877—生来瞎眼的人的历史。 圣保罗说什么呢？他是时时刻刻都在叙说预言么？不是，而是他只说自己的奇迹。 耶稣基督叙说什么呢？他是叙说预言么？ 不是：他的死并不曾实现它们；然而他说Si non fecisH sem〔我若没有行过。 〕 《约翰福音》第15章，第24节：“我若没有在他们中间行过别人未曾行的事”。让我们相信事迹吧。 我们整个超自然的宗教有着两种超自然的基础：一种可见，一种不可见。具有神恩的奇迹，没有神恩的奇迹。 犹太会堂被人满怀热爱地当作是教会的象征来看待，又因为它只不过是教会的象征而被人满怀憎恨地来看待；既然当它好端端地与上帝同在的时候却要倾颓而又被扶持起来，因而就是象征。 奇迹以其对于人身所施加的权力而证明了上帝对人心所具有的权力。 教会从未赞许过异端派中间的奇迹。 奇迹是宗教的支柱：它们辩别了犹太人，它们辩别了基督徒、圣者、清白无辜者和真正的信仰者。 宗派分裂论者中间的奇迹并不那么可怕；因为分裂比奇迹更加显而易见，也就显然易见地标明了他们的错误。但当没有发生分裂的时候，以及错误有了争论的时候，奇迹就可以辩别。 “Si non eecissem quae alius non eecit”。〔我若没有做过别人没有做过的事。〕见《约翰福音》第15章，第24节。 那些迫使我们不得不谈到奇迹的不幸者们啊！ 亚伯拉罕，基甸：以奇迹证实信仰。 《犹蒂丝》。上帝终于在最后的逼迫之下发言了。 假如仁爱的冷却使得教会几乎没有真正的崇拜者，奇迹就会激发他们的。这就是神恩的最后作用之一。 假如也能给耶稣会士造就出一个奇迹！ 当奇迹使得那些面临奇迹出现的人失望时，并且当他们的信仰状态与奇迹这一手段之间比例失调的时候，这时候它就应该引导他们变化。然而对你们，情形却是另一样。 有着同样之多的理由可以说，假如圣餐使死者复活，那就更应该使自己成为一个加尔文派，而不是继续作一个天主教徒。然而当它满足了期望，当那些希望上帝恩赐救治之道的人们看到了自己不需要救治之道就痊愈了的时候，……。 不敬神者——从不曾有过任何标志是出现在魔鬼方面，而同时没有另一种更强的标志是出现在上帝方面的，或者甚至同时没有被预告过它是要出现的。 765，772；800（a），LⅪ—892（852）876—对于上帝显然在荫庇着的人之不公正的起诉者：假如他们谴责你们的过份，那末“他们说的话就像是异端”；假如他们说耶稣基督的神恩可以辩别我们，那末“他们就是异端”；假如成就了奇迹，“那么这就是他们那种异端的标志”。 以西结——他们说：这就是上帝的人民，他就是这样说话的。——希西家。 的确说过：“要相信教会”；但是并没有说过“要相信奇迹”；这是因为后者乃是自然的，而前者却不是。一个需要有诫命，另一个则否。 犹太会堂只不过是象征，因此并不曾毁灭；但又只不过是象征，因此就毁灭了。它是一个包含着真理的象征，因此它就一直持续到它不再具有真理为止。 我可敬的父啊，这一切都以象征而出现。其它的宗教都毁灭了；唯有这个宗教却不毁灭。 奇迹要比你所能想像的更加重要：它们曾被用来作为基础，并且将被用来延续教会，直到反基督者的时候，直到终了为止。 两种见证。 在旧约中和新约中，奇迹是由于附丽于象征而成就的。得救，假若不是为了表明我们必须服从圣书，就是无用的：圣礼的象征。 LⅩ（a）—816（853）870—〔父啊！我们必须严肃地判断圣礼。 圣保罗在马尔他岛。 〕 （854）875—因而，耶稣会士的顽强超过了犹太人的顽强；因为犹太人拒绝相信耶稣基督无辜，仅仅是因为他们怀疑他的奇迹究竟是否来自上帝。反之，耶稣会士既不能怀疑波罗雅尔的奇迹是来自上帝的，却仍然不放弃怀疑那座修道院的无辜。 LⅫ—875（855）890—我设想人们是相信奇迹的。你们败坏宗教，不是在偏袒自己的朋友，就是在反对自己的敌人。你们在随心所欲地加以处理。 L—143（856）881—论奇迹——正如上帝没有使哪个家庭格外幸福，但愿情形同样是他也没有发见其中有哪个格外感恩。