The National tribune., 1892-06-23

I. Data.
st. Mark, 16: 10; ST. Luke, "a: so So; Acts
I:9-12
Neither writer was witness and no witness
gives account. Scriptural revelation is not de-
pendent on personal experience. Such theory
things seen and heard by him, would dispense
with testimony and inspiration. (See Pet,
l:21.)
The Ascension took place on Thursday. April
IS, A. d. 90 1t was 40 days after the Resur-
rection acts, L 81 aud 10 Gays before the Pom
tccost Day.
Christ assembled from spot on Mt. Olives ono
Sabbath Days journey from jerusalem. tActs,
1 :12) A Sabbath Days journey was 2,o00
cubits. Each cubit was 1924 feet, and hence
the distance was seven-tenths of a mile. But
the account given in st. Luke's Gospel says tho
Ascension occurred at Bethany. est. Luke,
81: 50.) But st. John, II 3 IS, says Bethany
was about 10 furlonSs from Jerusalem-that is
to say, about two miles. Bethany WAC tho
name, probably not only of the village, but OF
the town, and the town would reach. not nm
likely, quito to the summit Of Mt. Olives,
and so include the spot which was seven tenths
OF q mile from tho Capital. The same writer
was the author of both accounts.
4. The Ascension.
We mean by the Ascension that Chrfsts
body-the body apparently In which Christ
suffered and died-the body that rose from the
dead relieved of all the effects Of decaase in
vigorated with new life as recovery from the
marriug received in his human strnggle-that
said body rose higher and higher from sight
till out of vision on way to the former Home
of Christ. In the process it probably lost all
human weaknesses and wants and was fitted for
the life in glory.
s. Reasons of tho ASCENSION.
l. To fulfill prophecies. Cps, GO: Is. c.
Eph., AS.
2. To intercede for sinners. Heb, 9:A.)
8. To secure Gods Endorsement. (Phil.,
2: 9, 10)
4. To attract us toward Heaven.
S. To prepare mansions for us.
g. To display his triumph over all foes.
z. To give gifts to men.
8. To show his work on earth was finished.
st. John. 17:5
8. To take the throne as our King
10. To be at Home.
IL. To give greater universality to Christi
anity.
IL. To send the Holy Spirit. (st. John, 1879
6. The ascension and art.
Nearly every master has attempted the As
cension, and so we have diversity OF paint
ings. Hogarth painted The Ascension" for
the decoration Of the altarpiece in st. Maryis,
Radcliffe, Bristol, England.
In the Laurentian Library, Florence, there
is extant, in Syrian Evangelarium, dsted
A. D., $50, a representation Of tho crucifxion,
together with q companion picture ilustrat-
ing the Ascension. Prof Piper says These
are the oldest pictorial representations Of the
earthly life of Jesus aud his exaltation."
T. Celebration Of tho Ascension.
The (Rornan) Catholic Greek and Anglican
Churches Inclusive of the American Episco-
pail keep in memory the Ascension Of our Sa-
vior by special religious seryi ices on the 10Th
day after Easter, and therefore always on
Thursday.
8. Conclusion.
We must not stand to gaze too long,
Though on unfolding Heaven our gaze we bend,
Where, lost bshind the bright angelic throng.
We see Christs entering triumph slow ascend.
No fear but we shall soon behold.
Faster than now IL fades, that CLEAN revive,
When, issuing from mis- cloud of fiery gold,
Our wasted frames feel the true sua and live.
Then shall we Thee Thou art
Forever fixed In no unfruitful gaze,
But such AZ lifts tho new-created heart
Age after age in worthier love and praise.