tainly tainly and truly drive out devils, so that those who have thus been cleansed from evil spirits frequently both believe [in Christ], and join themselves to the church. Others have foreknowledge of things to come: they see visions, and utter prophetic expressions. Others still, heal the sick by laying their hands upon them, and they are made whole. Yea, moreover, as I have said, the dead even have been raised up, and remained[1] among us for many years. And what shall I more say? It is not possible to name the number of the gifts which the church, [scattered] throughout the whole world, has received from God, in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and which she exerts day by day for the benefit of the Gentiles, neither practising deception upon any, nor taking any reward[2] from them [on account of such miraculous interpositions]. For as she has received freely[3] from God, freely also does she minister [to others].
5. Nor does she perform anything by means of angelic invocations,[4] or by incantations, or by any other wicked curious art: but, directing her prayers to the Lord, who made all things, in a pure, sincere, and straightforward spirit, and calling upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, she has been accustomed to work[5] miracles for the advantage of mankind, and not to lead them into error. If, therefore, the name of our Lord Jesus Christ even now confers benefits [upon men], and cures thoroughly and effectively all who
- ↑ Harvey here notes: "The reader will not fail to remark this highly interesting testimony, that the divine χαρίσματα, bestowed upon the infant church were not wholly extinct in the days of Irenæus. Possibly the venerable father is sjieakiug from his own personal recollection of some who had been raised from the dead, and had continued for a time living witnesses of the efficacy of Christian faith."
- ↑ Comp. Acts viii. 9, 18.
- ↑ Matt. x. 8.
- ↑ Grabe contends that these words imply that no invocations of angels, good or bad, were practised in the primitive church. Massuet, on the other hand, maintains that the words of Irenæus are plainly to be restricted to evil spirits, and have no bearing on the general question of angelic invocation.
- ↑ We follow the common reading, "perfecit;" but one ms. has "perficit," works, which suits the context better.
