A history of the work of redemption. Containing the outlines of a body of…

It is further to be observed, that the day of the gospel most properly begins with the resurrection of Christ.—Till Christ rose from the dead, the Old-Testament dispensation remained▪ but now it ceases, all being fulfilled that was shadowed forth in the typical ordinances of that dispensation; so that here most properly is the end of the Old-Testament night, and Christ rising from the grave with joy and glory, was as the joyful bride groom of the church, as a glorious conqueror to subdue their enemies under their feet; or was like the sun rising as it were from under the earth, after a long night of darkness▪ and coming forth as a bride groom, prepared as a strong man to run his race, appearing in joyful light to enlighten the world. Now that joyful and excellent dispensation begins, that glorious dispensation, of which the prophets prophesied so much; now the gospel sun is risen in glory, "and with healing in his wings," that those who fear God's name, may go forth, and g•ow up as calves of the stall.

II. Christ's ascension into heaven. In this I would include his sitting at the right hand of God. For Christ's ascension, and sitting at the right hand of God, can scarcely be looked upon as two distinct things: for Christ's ascension was nothing else, but ascending to God's right hand; it was coming to sit down at his Father's right hand in glory. This was another thing whereby Christ was put into a capacity for the accomplishing the effect of his purchas•• as one that comes to be a deliverer of a people as their king, in order to it, and that he may be under the best capacity for it, is first installed in his throne. We are told, that Christ was exalted for this end, that he might accomplish the success of his redemption: Acts v.31. "Him hath God exalted with his right hand, for to give repentance unto Israel, and the remission of sins."