Abstract
ABSTRACTIn this paper I discuss the views on toleration of Sir John Finch (1626–1682), philosopher, anatomist, diplomat and collector of fine art who lived abroad in Italy and Turkey for most of his adult life. I place Finch’s views in relation to those of his teacher, Henry More (1614–1687) and highlight some of the distinctive features of Finch’s arguments, showing how he draws on ecclesiastical history and his own theories of knowledge and language to defend liberty of conscience. He nevertheless attempted to set some bounds on toleration on grounds of preserving peace and decorum. He attacked Roman Catholicism, especially papal supremacy, but nevertheless argued that Catholic church hierarchy reflected inherited civility deriving from the ancient Romans church. I conclude by suggesting that his views may have influenced the architect of the 1689 Toleration Act, his nephew, Daniel Finch, second Earl of Nottingham.
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