“The World’s Great Restauration”
(continued).
Contemporary reference to the book is to be found in letters from the Rev. Joseph Mead (Mede) (1586–1638), the eminent biblical scholar, to Sir Martin Stuteville.
(B. M. Add. 4176: 121, 123–6.)
Christ’s College Cambr. March 31. 1621.
Sr.
“... Sʳ Henry Finch was last week examined before the High Commission about the book I wrote of, but wonderful privately. He gave up his answer in writing, ch⁄w was sent to the King, & expected from him what should be his censure....”
Christ’s College, Apr. 7 [1621]
Sr
... I have seen Sʳ Henry Finch’s The World’s Great restauration, or Calling of the Jews, & with them of all the Nations of the Earth, to the Faith of Xᵗ. I cannot see but for the main of the discourse I might assent unto him. God forgive me, if it be a sin; but I have thought so many a day. But the thing, which troubles His Majesty, is this point, which I will write out for you verbatim; “The Jews & all Israel shall return to their land & antient Seats, conquer their foes, have their Soil more fruitfull than ever. They shall erect a glorious Church in the Land of Judah it self & bear rule far and near.” ... We need not be afraid to aver and maintain, that one day they shall come to Jerusalem again; be Kings & chief Monarchs of the Earth; sway & govern all, for the glory of Xᵗ; that shall shine amongst them. And that is it Lactantius saith Lib. 7. Cap. 15. “The Romans name I will speak it, because it must one day be shall be taken from the Earth, & the Empire shall return to Asia. And again shall the East bear dominion & the West be in subjection.” In another place Ashur & Egypt, all these large & vast Countries, the whole tract of the East & South, shall be converted to Christ; the chief Sway & sovreignty remaining with the Jews. All nations shall honour them.
Some say, the King says, he shall be a pure King, & he is so auld that he cannot tell how to do his homage at Jerusalem.