Viewed in this light, it forms the most august
era which is to be found in the history of mankind. When Christ was
suffering on the cross, we are informed by one of the evangelists that
He said, "I thirst"; and that they filled a sponge with vinegar, and
put it to His mouth. "After he had tasted the vinegar, knowing that
all things were now accomplished, and the Scriptures fulfilled, he
said, It is finished"; that is, this offered draft of vinegar was the
last circumstance predicted by an ancient prophet that remained to
be fulfilled. The vision and the prophecy are now sealed: the Mosaic
dispensation is closed. "And he bowed his head and gave up the ghost."
"It is finished." When He uttered these words He changed the state of
the universe. At that moment the law ceased, and the gospel commenced.
This was the ever memorable point of time which separated the old and
the new worlds from each other. On one side of the point of separation
you behold the law, with its priests, its sacrifices, and its rites,
retiring from sight. On the other side you behold the gospel, with
its simple and venerable institutions, coming forward into view.
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