The Men Who Knew.--The Twelve Apostles were the special witnesses of Jesus Christ. As such they had to _know_, not merely believe that he had risen from the dead. And they did know, for they had seen him, and heard him, and had even been permitted to touch him, that they might be convinced beyond all question that he was indeed what he proclaimed himself--the Author of the Resurrection, the Giver of eternal life. It was their right to receive this rare evidence, owing to the unique character of their mission. But the world was required to believe what the Apostles testified concerning Him. If men desired salvation, which could come only through the Savior, they must receive in faith the message He had sent his servants to deliver. The Case of Thomas.--One of the Twelve was absent when his brethren received their first visitation from the risen Redeemer; and when they said, "We have seen the Lord," he answered: "Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." Subsequently the Savior appeared to this Apostle (Thomas) saying: "Behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing." "My Lord and my God!" exclaimed the doubter--and was convinced. [1] Complete Qualification.--Thomas has been censured for demanding to see and to feel before he would believe. How much blame attaches to him for doubting, I will not presume to say. But this much seems clear: He had the same right as the rest of the Twelve to a personal appearing of the Lord--the right to come in contact with Him of whose resurrection he was required to testify. The others had seen and heard--perhaps had even felt, for Jesus offered them that privilege. [2] Why should not Thomas share in the experience? What else could completely qualify him as a special witness? A Peculiar Position.--Sign-seeking is an abomination, indicating an adulterous disposition. [3] It is blessed to believe without seeing, [4] since through the exercise of faith comes spiritual development; while knowledge, by swallowing up faith, prevents its exercise, thus hindering that development. "Knowledge is power;" and all things are to be known in due season. But premature knowledge--knowing at the wrong time--is fatal both to progress and to happiness. The case of the Apostles was exceptional. They stood in a peculiar position. It was better for them to know--nay, absolutely essential, in order to give the requisite force and power to their tremendous testimony. The Commission of the Twelve.--"Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. "He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned.