III. " Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matt, xxviii. 19.) He thus institutes the sacrament of Baptism, and ordains, that it shall take the place of ancient circumcision. As circumcision was the entrance into the number of God's chosen people, of old, so is Baptism the entrance into His Church in the new law. But the advantages of Baptism are far greater. But Baptism, or faith alone, is not sufficient for salvation; the observance of God's commandments is also requisite. " Teaching them," continues Jesus Christ, "to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you." St. James emphatically writes: "Whosoever shall keep the -whole law; but offend in one point, is become guilty of all." (James ii. 10.) Admit, then, the necessity of good works, and observe the whole law in perfection.
FRIDAY.
Other Apparitions.
I. Our Lord, as St. Luke writes: "showed Himself alive, after His passion, by many proofs, for forty days appearing to them." (Acts i. 3.) Christ remained with with them for so long a time, in order to increase and strengthen their faith in His resurrection. Although during that time, He was always present with them in an invisible manner, yet He only favored them with His visible presence at intervals. Like a tender mother He wished to accustom them by degrees to more solid and substantial spiritual food, than the consolation of His personal presence.
II. In these apparitions, Christ as St. Luke observes, "spoke of the kingdom of God." He did not converse with them on worldly trifles, or objects of idle curiosity,
