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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."
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," 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." 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."
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