“And the supernatural power he is boasting of—?”
“Is nothing but a skilful application of that knowledge!”
The Duke remained silent for some time, and then resumed:
“You think it impossible for mortals to acquire a supernatural power?”
I smiled.
“It seems you deny also the possibility of miracles?” Alumbrado said with a dreadful look, which he however soon sweetened again.
“I am convinced of the possibility of miracles,” I replied, “because it is self-evident that God, who is the author of the laws of nature, can alter and suspend them; but this only the Creator can do; man, consequently, is not capable of working miracles.”
“But men can become instruments in the hand of God,” Alumbrado continued, “whereby Providence performs miracles!”
“Undoubtedly, but no wretches like the Irishman. The eternal source of truth and holiness can never employ, as an immediate instrument, an impostor who deals in lies and artifice.”
“Where will you find a mortal without fault?” the Duke said, “indeed you are too much prejudiced against the Irishman. He did not deceive me out of malice or selfishness, but only for the sake of a just and noble purpose.”