as an historic manifestation, has its beginning in history. The
Church was founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ; He has
ordained that the profession of faith of Peter, spoken in the
name of all the Apostles, should be the corner-stone of His
Church. After the resurrection He sent the Apostles to
preach His Church; it is from the descent of the Holy Spirit
on the Apostles that the Church of the New Covenant dates
its existence--at that time there rang from the mouth of
Peter the first apostolic appeal inviting entrance into the
Church: "Be ye converted, and let each one be baptized in
the name of Jesus Christ--and you will receive the gift of
the Holy Spirit" ( Acts ii. 38): "And there were in that
day nearly three thousand persons added to the Church"
( Acts ii. 41). Thus was laid the foundation of the New
Covenant.

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