SOURCE: “Ælfric's Saints' Lives and the Problem of Miracles,” in Leeds Studies in English, Vol. 16, 1985, pp. 83-100.

In the following essay, Godden explains apparent contradictions and inconsistencies in Ælfric's statements concerning miracles.

In his homily for Ascension Day Ælfric states firmly that the age of physical, visible miracles has ended, and he goes on to draw a contrast between those older miracles, which affected only the body and were no necessary sign of virtue in the miracle-worker, and the superior spiritual transformations of the present, which affect the moral self:

The Lord said, “These signs will follow those who believe. In my name they will drive out devils; they will speak with new languages; they will drive away snakes; and although they drink poison, it will not harm them; they will set their hands on sick men, and it will be well with them”.

These miracles were necessary...