CHAPTER XLVII.

The Resurrection. Mary Magdalene first to see Our Lord. Thomas doubts. The Apostles told to preach the Gospel.

The Ascension.

N the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn. toward the first day of the week, came Mary

Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake; for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow; and for, fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye, for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here, for He is risen, as He said. And, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him. Go; I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre, with fear and great joy, and did run to bring His disciples word.

Now, when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken

counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we slept; and if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

And the women returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the elders, and to all the rest. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre, and, stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and the napkin that was about His head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

And he departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. But Mary Magdalene stood without at the grave weeping; and, as she wept, she stooped down and looked into the sepulchre, and seeth two angels in white, sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they said unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him. said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, Sir, if thou hast borne Him hence,

And when she had thus