lication of this outward sign of strength gives the inward grace
of light and strength. Moreover, oil easily spreads itself over anything
and remains on it. A drop of water falling on paper dries up quickly;
but a drop of oil soaks in and spreads over it. So oil is used to show
also that the grace of Confirmation spreads out over our whole lives,
and strengthens us in our faith at all times.

Again, in Penance we have the outward sign when the priest raises his
hand and pronounces over us the words of absolution.

If we did not have these outward signs how could anyone know just at
what time the graces are given? We can know now, for at the very moment
the outward sign is applied the grace is given; because it is the
application of the sign that by divine institution gives the grace, and
thus the two must take place together.

"Institution by Christ" is absolutely necessary because He gives all
grace, and He alone can determine the manner in which He wishes it
distributed. The Church can distribute His grace, but only in the way He
wishes. Hence it cannot make new Sacraments or abolish old ones.

137 Q. How many Sacraments are there?
A. There are seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist,
Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

The life of our soul is in many ways similar to the life of our body.
Our bodies must first be born, then strengthened, then fed. When sick,
we must be cured: and when about to die, we must be taken care of. Then
there must be someone to rule others, and there must be persons to be
governed. In like manner, we are spiritually born into a new life by
Baptism, we are strengthened by Confirmation, fed with the Holy
Eucharist, and cured of the maladies of our souls by Penance. By Extreme
Unction we are helped at the hour of death; by Holy Orders our spiritual
rulers are appointed by God; and by Matrimony families, with a father at
the head and children to be ruled, are established. Thus we have our
spiritual life similar in many things to our physical or bodily life.

138 Q. Whence have the Sacraments the power of giving grace?
A. The Sacraments have the power of giving grace from the merits of
Jesus Christ.

Our Lord died to merit grace for us, and appointed the Sacraments as the
chief means by which it was to be given.

*139 Q. What grace do the Sacraments give?
A. Some of the Sacraments give sanctifying grace, and others increase it
in our souls.

Baptism an