error. Either God will not permit false miracles, or He will
procure greater.

[Jesus Christ has existed since the beginning of the world: this is more
impressive than all the miracles of Antichrist.]

If in the same Church there should happen a miracle on the side of those
in error, men would be led into error. Schism is visible; a miracle is
visible. But schism is more a sign of error than a miracle is a sign of
truth. Therefore a miracle cannot lead into error.

But apart from schism, error is not so obvious as a miracle is obvious.
Therefore a miracle could lead into error.

_Ubi est Deus tuus?_[351] Miracles show Him, and are a light.

846

One of the anthems for Vespers at Christmas: _Exortum est in tenebris
lumen rectis corde._[352]

847

If the compassion of God is so great that He instructs us to our
benefit, even when He hides Himself, what light ought we not to expect
from Him when He reveals Himself?

848

Will _Est et non est_ be received in faith itself as well as in
miracles? And if it is inseparable in the others ...

When Saint Xavier[353] works miracles.--[Saint Hilary. "Ye wretches, who
oblige us to speak of miracles."]

Unjust judges, make not your own laws on the moment; judge by those
which are established, and by yourselves. _Vae qui conditis leges
iniquas._[354]

Miracles endless, false.

In order to weaken your adversaries, you disarm the whole Church.

If they say that our salvation depends upon God, they are "heretics." If
they say that they are obedient to the Pope, that is "hypocrisy." If
they are ready to subscribe to all the articles, that is not enough. If
they say that a man must not be killed for an apple, "they attack the
morality of Catholics." If miracles are done among them, it is not a
sign of holiness, and is, on the contrary, a symptom of heresy.

This way in which the Church has existed is that truth has been without
dispute, or, if it has been contested, there has been the Pope, or,
failing him, there has been the Church.

849

The five propositions[355] condemned, but no miracle; for the truth was
not attacked. But the Sorbonne ... but the bull....

It is impossible that those who love God with all their heart should
fail to recognise the Church; so evident is she.--It is impossible that
those who do not love God should be convinced of the Church.

Miracles have such influence that it was necessary that God should warn
men not to believe in