Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/844

 because  by  that  miracle  He  has  furnished  a solid  ground  of  belief  for all men; and  that  on  a day  fore-ordained  and  known  to  God,  He  will judge all  men  in  equity.

God is  never  far  from  you! He is  always with you  1 Remember  His  holy  Presence,  especially  when  you  are tempted to  sin,  and  do  not  dare  to  do  wrong  in  His  sight. Remind yourself  of  His  holy  Presence  during  the  day,  and  often make the  ejaculation:  "O  my  God,  I love  Thee  with  my  whole heart!”

FTER Paul  had  remained  some  time  at  Antioch,  he  passed a third time  through  the  greater  part  of  Asia  Minor,  and came to  Ephesus,  the  capital  of  the  Roman  province  of  Asia  (Fig.  97, p.  796). Here he  met  some  twelve  disciples,  and  said  to  them: “Have you  received  the  Holy  Ghost?”  They  answered  him:  “We have not  so  much  as  heard  whether  there  be  a Holy  Ghost.”  Paul asked them  again:  “In  what,  then,  were  you  baptized?”  They replied: “In  John’s  baptism.”  Then  Paul  said:  “John  baptized the people  with  the  baptism  of  penance,  saying  that  they  should believe in  Him  who  was  to  come  after  him,  that  is  to  say: Jesus.” Hearing  this  they  were  baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Lord Jesus. Then Paul  laid  his  hands  upon  them,  and  they  received the Holy  Ghost,  and  prophesied.

Paul remained  two  years  at  Ephesus,  so  that  all  those  who dwelt in  the  Roman  province  of  Asia  heard  the  word  of  the  Lord. Moreover, God  was  pleased  to  work  many  wonderful  miracles  by the  hand  of  the  holy  apostle,  and  no  sooner  were  handkerchiefs or aprons  that  had  touched  his  body  applied  to  the  sick,  than they were  instantly  cured. Seeing these  things  a great  fear  came upon all  the  people,  and  they  magnified  the  name  of  Jesus.