=25. The Testimony of Miracles.=--The Savior's promise in a former day[719] as in the present dispensation[720] is definite, to the effect that specified gifts of the Spirit are to follow the believer as signs of Divine favor. The possession and exercise of such gifts may be taken therefore as essential features of the Church of Christ.[721] Nevertheless we are not justified in regarding the evidence of miracles as infallible testimony of authority from heaven; on the other hand, the scriptures furnish abundant proof that spiritual powers of the baser sort have wrought miracles, and will continue so to do, to the deceiving of many who lack discernment. If miracles be accepted as infallible evidence of godly power, the magicians of Egypt, through the wonders which they accomplished in opposition to the ordained plan for Israel's deliverance, have as good a claim to our respect as has Moses.[722] John the Revelator saw in vision a wicked power working miracles, and thereby deceiving many; doing great wonders, even bringing fire from heaven.[723] Again, he saw three unclean spirits, whom he knew to be "the spirits of devils working miracles."[724] [719] Mark xvi, 17-18. [720] Doc. and Cov. lxxxiv, 65-73. [721] See Notes 4 and 5. [722] Exo. vii-xi. [723] Rev. xiii, 11-18. [724] Rev. xvi, 13-14. =26.= Consider, in connection with this, the prediction made by the Savior:--"There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."[725] The invalidity of miracles as a proof of righteousness is declared in an utterance of Christ Jesus regarding the events of the great judgment:--"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity."[726] The Jews, to whom these teachings were addressed, knew that wonders could be wrought by evil powers; for they charged Christ with working miracles by the authority of "Beelzebub the prince of devils."[727] [725] Matt. xxiv, 24. [726] Matt. vii, 22-23. [727] Matt. xii, 22-30; Mark iii, 22; Luke xi, 15. See "Jesus the Christ," p. 265.