After the resurrection of our Savior, he appeared several times to his disciples. He strengthened them in the walk of faith; enlarged their power and commission; declaring to them, that all power was given to him in heaven and earth. Therefore he commanded them to go through all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and teaching them to observe all things that he had commanded them. Adding further — that he that believed and was baptized should be saved, but he that believed not should be damned. He promised them his continual protection — that he would be ever present with them, even to the end of the world.
On his last appearance to the apostles he particularly commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem till they had received the promise of God, and were invested with power from above. That after the descent of the Holy Ghost upon them they should have sufficient power and knowledge, and have the honor of being his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and in the farthest parts of the earth.
He then led them out of the city to that part of Mount Olivet which was near Bethany, where, lifting up his hands which showed the marks of his sufferings, he gave them his last benediction.
And while they were all in the posture of adoration, he was parted from them by degrees, taken up in a cloud, and carried triumphantly into the ineffable glories of heaven.