his fufferings, and to inform them of the fpiritual nature of his kingdom. To prepare them for his departure. And we may venture to add, to give a further proof of his concern for the good of fouls, by thus delaying for fome time to enter upon that glory which his hu- Why the time of his ftay, was for forty II. Reasons why our Saviour appeared on- ly to his followers, and not to the San- 1. So far was he from being obliged to ⚫ afford those who crucified him fuch an extraordinary proof of his refur- rection, that he might with great ju- ftice have denied them any evidence 2. Those that had rejected the evidence 109 I miracles are not neceflary to induce a beif of moral truths, yet they are to attet tuca as are of pofitive inititution. II. The propriety of this fort of evidence world, and is more likely, if it errs, to SERMON 134 IX. The difficult Paffages of Scripture 2 PET. iii. 6. In which are fome things hard to be under The defign of St. Peter in this Epiftle, 136 140 ation because it was irresistible. 1,09 110 The true queftion in relation to our Saviour's returrect on is, Whether the proof of it is not abundantly tull to all the purposes of conviction. Many things we in our wisdom may poffibly think fit to have been done, which God has not thought fit to do for us. III. The manner of our Saviour's fpending his time with the apoftles after his refurrection, was, 1. By giving them many infallible proofs of his being returned to life. 2. By inftructing them in Things pertain ing to the Gofpel difpenfation, of which they were to be the minifters. 112 113 Our faith entitled to a greater reward, than that of the apoftles themselves. 118 An exhortation to the exercife of it in the participation of the bleffed facrament. 119 $ER The fuccefs of the apoftles preaching owe ing to a divine power and affiftance that Miracles the foundation upon which both the Mofaic and Christian revelations I. Miracles, according to the common |