2. Unbelieving spirits, who have been men of such a character in the life of the body, are most urgent in their demands to behold miracles, and to know hidden and future events, declaring that, without such signs, they cannot believe. But the answer to them is that for those who have no faith, miracles can accomplish absolutely nothing; while for those who have faith they are unnecessary. The reason for this was stated, namely, that faith is not implanted by miracles, that it is merely strengthened to some extent, and that this is clear from the Word. Pharaoh, for example, though he saw so many miracles, nevertheless hardened his heart. The sons of Jacob, also, despite the many miracles they beheld in Egypt, had no faith when a few days later they came to the Red Sea, and, despite the many miracles wrought on Mount Sinai, were within a single month worshipping the golden calf. They had their daily manna, yet they murmured continually from lack of faith. They beheld over the tabernacle the cloud by day and the fire by night, the very presence of Jehovah at every moment, yet they grew worse and not better; and from many another they saw miracles later in the land of Canaan, especially through Elijah and Elisha, as is made clear in the historical parts of the Word. It can be seen from these things how little is accomplished by miracles.
