Many miracles were wrought by God before the children of Israel were led by Moses from Egyptian captivity, as well as during their exodus into the wilderness. The parting of the Red Sea so they might cross on dry land, the sending of manna from heaven and quails from the sky so they would not starve, the protection from serpents' bites so they would not die - these and many more miracles were performed in behalf of the children of Israel.
Yet, miracles did not cause their faith to grow. In a discourse of June 30, 1867, President Brigham Young, said: "Miracles, or these extraordinary manifestations of the power of God, are not for the unbeliever; they are to console the Saints, and to strengthen and confirm the faith of those who love, fear, and serve God. . . ."In a special conference on Aug. 14, 1853, President Young spoke of the danger of relying upon miracles as evidence of truth, because miracles can be counterfeited:
"The magicians of Egypt were instructed in things pertaining to true riches, and had obtained keys and powers enough to produce a bogus in opposition to the true coin, as it were, and thus they deceived the king and the people. They could cause frogs to come upon the land, as well as Moses could. They could turn the waters of Egypt into blood, and in many more things compete with Moses. . . . I have no doubt that men can perform many such wonders by the principles of natural philosophy."
