and all the host
of heaven by the breath of His mouth.

But when man's salvation was wrought it was otherwise. There was
nothing instantaneous about that. Long ages passed before the time
came for the Son of God to be born. The preparation was lengthy, there
was delay. And when He came, there was no "Let there be," and it was
done, but there were thirty-three years spent on earth, and there were
the laborious ministry, the sufferings, and the death. That was not
all. Still more was done. The Son of God ascended into Heaven after
having spent forty days on earth after His resurrection, founding and
framing His Church. Then He sent the Holy Ghost down on the Church He
had made. Still all is not done. The Church has to battle with the
world, to endure persecution, the blood of martyrs has to flow, and
three hundred years to pass, before she emerges out of her hidden
suffering life into light before the world.

That is not all. Still the work goes on. The Sacraments are
ministered, the word of God is preached. Invitation to the Banquet of
Heaven is given. Salvation is not yet come; the work goes on, and goes
on slowly.

Look at yourselves, and see how slow the process is. You are baptized,
and thereby made a member of Christ. Is all done? By no means, the
work is only begun. You grow older, and your temptations grow
stronger. Then comes Confirmation, the Holy Spirit is given to
strengthen, the seal is put on the Baptismal Contract. Is all done?
By no means, it is only progressing. The Holy Communion is given you.
You partake of the sacred Body and Blood of Christ. Surely now all is
complete, and salvation secured. No--by no means, not yet. All
through life the work goes on. It is not done at death. It will not
be done till the Judgment Day.

Why is this? Because man has Free Will, and can oppose and hinder the
work of God. He can even bring it to naught.

When God made the world it was done at His word, for there was no
opposition, no independent free will had to be taken account of; but in
the salvation of man it is otherwise, man has to be considered, he has
a will which can turn all the good intentions of God from him, and make
them of no avail. God cannot save man without his free consent. God's
grace cannot sanctify him without his co-operation with it. God can
invite and attract, He cannot force. In the parable, the king sends
out to entreat his subjects to come, and when they re