Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Finally, the book of his Prophecy beareth written in the head of it the names of four Kings, in whose time he prophesied; and before whom as a vessel of gold he bare the name of God with great honour. All which things being royal, it seemed to me most convenient that his book should still bear in the front of it the names of Princes. And as he foreshowed that Kings should be Foster-fathers, and Queens Nurses of the Church of Christ, so my desire was that his book might be published under the names and protection of Christian Princes.

Finally, the booke of his Prophecie beareth written in the head of it the names of foure Kings, in whose time he prophecied; and before whom as a vessell of golde he bare the name of God with great honour. All which things being royall, it seemed to me most conuenient that his booke should still beare in the front of it the names of Princes. And as hee foreshewed that Kings should bee Fosterfathers, and Queenes Nurces of the Church of Christ, so my desire was that his booke might be published vnder the names and protection of Christian Princes.

Moreover, I was led hereunto by the example of this Interpreter, whose exposition upon Jsaias prophecy I translate; namely, of M. John Calvin, a man in his time of excellent piety and learning; and one of the great lights, whereby it hath pleased God both to chase away the errors of popery, as the darkness of the shadow of death; and to cause his marvellous and comfortable light of the Gospel to shine unto this present age. For he dedicated his first exposition of this book to the young Prince, King Edward the sixth, of famous memory, for the princely graces, for the zealous love of true religion, and of all heroical virtues; wherewith in his young years he raised an admirable expectation of future ⟨image 3⟩glory, if his precious life had long continued. He was also most worthily renowned with highest glory, for that gracious reformation in religion, which was established by his regal authority, and which our English Church at this day with great comfort doth enjoy, under the happy government of our Sovereign Lord the King, your most noble and renowned Father.