of a spirit. But he reassured them by allowing them to feel of his flesh, and convince themselves that it was indeed he. And when they could hardly believe it for joy, as Luke expresses it, he put the matter entirely beyond doubt, by asking for food and eating it in their presence. He remained with them for some time, enlightening their minds, clearing up their doubts, and illustrating the Scriptures which relate to the Messiah. He explained to them the true character of the work to which he had appointed them. He gave them a charge to publish the things of which they had been witnesses, and to preach repentance and remission of sins in his name to all nations; directing them, however, to remain in Jerusalem until they should have fully received power from on high. In this he referred to the effusion of the spirit, which was to take place fifty days afterward at the feast of Pentecost.

Thus were the minds of the not too credulous Apostles put at rest. They were convinced that Jesus had been restored to life, and they began to understand something of the meaning of much in his communications which had formerly been obscure to them. Their minds began to open to the true character of his office, and the grand purposes of his mission. But more than the instructions of an evening were necessary to change their long established habits of thought, and imbue

He

them thoroughly with the spiritual views which must belong to the preachers of his truth. therefore continued his interviews with them for forty days. And, as we learn from Paul, he showed himself, not only to the Eleven, but to. many others, and on one occasion to five hundred

at once.

Of these instances, only four are particularly related by the Evangelists; three of which were attended by circumstances of peculiar interest. The first was on the first day of the week succeeding his resurrection. The Apostles seem to have commenced at once that practice of meeting on the first day in honor of their Lord, which afterward caused it to be styled "the Lord's day," and to take the place among Christians of the ancient Sabbath. It had happened that on the former evening, when Jesus came to them, Thomas was not with the Apostles. He had probably considered the cause so hopeless, as to have withdrawn from it altogether. When informed of what had occurred, it seemed to him incredible; and he declared that he could not believe it, except he had the demonstration of his senses; except he could both see and feel the print of the nails and the wound made by the spear. In the succeeding

Acts i. 3.

1 Cor. xv. 6.

John xx. 24.

week he was present with the disciples. Jesus again came to them; and immediately addressing the incredulous Apostle, he bade him examine for himself as he had desired to do. Thomas did so, and was convinced by the irresistible proof, that there was no delusion, but that his Lord was actually risen.

The next instance is minutely related by John, and presents a scene beautifully characteristic. Peter, and some others of the disciples, had returned to their residence in Galilee, and had gone upon the lake to fish. Jesus appeared to them on the shore, and took the occasion both to remind Peter of his fault in thrice denying him, and to show that he was fully restored to his confidence. This was an act of delightful consideration. Peter was doubtless suffering deeply from the consciousness of his sin; and more than this, he not improbably suffered in the good opinion of his companions. It might be said by them, and it was very likely to be said by others, that he who had so basely denied the Saviour, ought not to be allowed to take a part in the ministry of his church. Jesus, therefore, to reinstate him in his own good opinion, and to make evident to all that he was still a trusted friend, drew from him three times a declaration of his devoted attachment; and

John xxi.

three times solemnly committed to him the care of his church. "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" "Yea, Lord," was the answer; "thou knowest that I love thee." Jesus rejoined, "Feed my sheep: feed my lambs." The gratified Apostle proved himself worthy of the trust thus kindly reposed in him, by a life of devoted fidelity to the gospel, and by a martyr's death.

a

Our Lord once more met his Apostles on mountain in Galilee. There he again assured them of the power and dignity entrusted to him, and bade them go forth, and teach and baptize all nations. It was at this time that he used those words respecting Baptism, which have commonly been employed by his ministers in the administration of that rite.

At length the purpose for which he had still lingered upon earth was accomplished. The men to whom his great enterprise was to be entrusted, had come at last to understand something of its real nature, and to enter into the spirit with which it should be carried forward. They had begun to exchange their Jewish exclusiveness, for their Master's universal philanthropy. They did not indeed understand the full glory of his undertaking as he did, nor as they themselves did at a later period. Some remnants of inveterate error still lin

Matthew xxviii. 16.

gered in their minds; so that even at their last interview with him, one of them asked if he should not yet restore the kingdom to Israel. But they were so far instructed, that they might safely be left without his further personal presence. What was yet requisite to their complete illumination, would be supplied by the gifts of the spirit, which he had promised them under the name of "the comforter." Now therefore he was ready to depart to his Father. He conducted the little band out to Bethany. There, on the eastern summit of Mount of Olivet, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. A cloud received him from their sight, and he ascended up into heaven.

Thus ended the glorious and beneficent ministry of the Son of God among men. Limited to a few persons, confined to a narrow region, continued but for a few months, it laid the foundation of a universal change in the religions of the world, and in the principles and manners of human society. The Eleven Apostles took up the doctrine which he had committed to them, and went forth to testify to the nations respecting that wonderful person and his wonderful truth. They entered with all their strength upon his great enterprise of reforming the religions and morals of mankind, and carrying the light of immortal truth and

Mark xvi. 19.

Acts i. 9.

Luke xxiv. 50.