Even down to those Times Miracles were performed by the Faithful.
1. things Irenæus, in agreement with the accounts
already given by us, records in the
work which comprises five books, and to which he gave the title
Refutation and Overthrow of the Knowledge Falsely So-called. In the second book of the same treatise he shows that manifestations of divine and miraculous power continued to his time in some of the churches.
2. He says:
“But so far do they come
short of raising the dead, as the Lord raised them, and the apostles
through prayer. And oftentimes in the brotherhood, when, on account of
some necessity, our entire Church has besought with fasting and much
supplication, the spirit of the dead has returned, and the man has been restored through the prayers of the saints.”
3. And again, after other
remarks, he says:
“If they will say that even the Lord did these things in
mere appearance, we will refer them to the prophetic writings, and show
from them that all things were beforehand spoken of him in this manner, and were strictly fulfilled; and that he alone is the Son of God. Wherefore his true disciples, receiving grace from him, perform such works in his Name for the benefit of other men, as each has received the gift from him.
4. For some of them drive out
demons effectually and truly, so that those who have been cleansed from
evil spirits frequently believe and unite with the Church. Others have
a foreknowledge of future events, and visions, and prophetic
revelations. Still others heal the sick by the laying on of hands, and
restore them to health. And, as we have said, even dead persons have
been raised, and remained with us many years.
5. But why should we say more? It is not possible to recount the number of gifts which the Church, throughout all the world, has received from God in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and exercises every day for the benefit of the heathen, never deceiving any nor doing it for money. For as she has received freely from God, freely also does she minister.”
6. And in another place the same
author writes:
“As also we hear that many
brethren in the Church possess prophetic gifts, and speak, through the
Spirit, with all kinds of tongues, and bring to light the secret things
of men for their good, and declare the mysteries of
God.”
So much in regard to the fact
that various gifts remained among those who were worthy even until that
time.