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Of this Kingdome also speakes Saint Peter, in Acts 3.19. [ 52] Re∣pent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sinnes may be blotted out, when the o 1.1 times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, and be shall send Jesus Christ, which was before preacht unto you, p 1.2 whom the heavens must receive untill the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy q 1.3 prophets since the world began: where if by [the times of refreshing, and times of restitution of all things] nothing else can be meant, but the Jewes inhabiting againe of their owne land, and the bringing of all other Nations into subjection to them, (with which a blessed and wonderfull change of the creatures shall con∣curre) then it is evident, that when Christ comes at this time, he shall accomplish this thing to Israel; and consequently receive his appointed Kingdome: but that these words can have no o∣ther meaning, a small acquaintance with the Prophets will in∣forme you: who as they speake of nothing more, so they have nothing which can be applyed to our Saviours second comming, as a comfortable effect so generally foreshewne, but this.
1. I am sure, no man can imagine that these words in themselves import, that our Saviour shall reigne among the Jewes as an earthly Monarch: which is the point. pag. 45. And therefore this, if by the time, &c. is as if one would say, If I be a King, I am a King. 2. That the Prophets have another meaning, may be seen by all interpre∣ters, and partly by that is said here. 3. It is wonder, if any Jew will say, that the Prophets speake of nothing more; for if his meaning be, They speake not more of any other thing, it is qu••stionable, seeing there is much spoken of Gods precepts: But if he doe meane, (as it seemes) that they speake not of any other thing that can be applyed unto our Sa∣viours comming, I will cite one Prophet for all, D••n. 2.1, 2. Where is mention of the great Prince, of great trouble even to the time of deli∣verance, and then awaking of some (not for a space of time, but) to everlasting life, and of others (at the same time) unto shame and ever∣lasting contempt. And is not this a more comfortable effect foreshewne generally unto every one, that shall be written in the booke? Now the cause why the Prophets write so much of Jerusalem, and that King∣dom to be restored, was, That the godly hearing of the destruction of that