The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-06-10

cause so contrary to the expectations
of friends and foes. Besides, the silly
story of the soldiers. which they were
bribed to put forth, circulated even
before the message of the women
Matt, xviii, Ills, gained currency
to serve its bad purpose. One thing.
however, was settled. and might be
verified by ALL the body was missing.
What had become of 1t? In the even
ing the disciples came together, prob
ably to discuss the situation, IL possi-
BILE to arrive at the truth and determine
their proper course of action. Sud
denly there came into the assembly
two who had returned from the viii
laSe of Emmaus, declaring that Jesus
had appeared to them Nuke xiv. 13-
95I. They had scarcely finished their
recital, when the doors of the room
being shut, Jesus stood among them
w. 1O. This was His fourth manifes-
tation. With great Gentleness He
saluted the company, saying Peace
be unto you" imparting what He be-
fore had promised (John, xiv, 20.
GLADNESS.-This evening visit of
Jesus to the disciples in Jerusalem was
an important event. 1t is evident that
up to that time the fact of the resur-
rection has scarcely been accepted.
The journey to Emmaus indicated n
disposition to scatter abroad, the hope
having died out of the heart, and the
words of the women having made but
little impression duke, xiv, 2l-2D. If
His cause is to be rescued from de-
feat and His chosen leaders shall be
prepared for their mission. something
must be done quickly to confirm their
faith. Hence Jesus gathered the as
tonshed men about Him and showed
His hands and side. in which were the
wounds made by the nails and spear
(John, xix, 3D, furnishing the highest
possible evidence that the body before
them was not mere spectre, but the
veritable body that hung on the cross.
That exhibit ended all discussion. They
who were present were convinced that
| their Master had returned to them. In
that hour faith in the resurrection be-
came clear and strong in the minds of
men competent to witness. Their sOr"
row passed away (Jchn, xvi, 32). Hope
| revived, and gladness filled their
| hearts ", 20).
| CONCLUSION.-T lesson is chief
| ly valuable in establishing the facts
| Of Christ's resurrection. The entire
| recital bears on it's face the simple and
| honest purpose of the actors. Women
who went to the grave to embalm q
| dead body, showing that they had NJ
| thought Of a restoration to life. were
the first to testify, as they were least
| likely to publish a falsehOOd. Men
who are generally inclined to ques'
tion the supernatural, having heard the
| words of the women, were reluctant &c
believe until they saw the form OF
Jesus. bearing the marks of death anC
! the company that saw was too large
| to admit the theory of a delusion on
| conspiracy for fraud. All this Oc
| Cured in less than twenty-four hours
while there were abundant facilities fol
| determining the truthfulnesS of an'
matter. 4 band of terrified and beWil
dered Galileans, assembled in the cit,
where their Master was condemned
was transformed in a single evenin;
into a joyous company of believers
| who, while for a time they lacked pur
pose, vet eventually became earnes
| heralds to their fellowmen, declaring
! even unto death, that Jesus rose from
the grave (Acts iv, l0).