Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

TO THE MOST HIGH AND RENOWNED PRINCESS, ELIZABETH, Queen of England, &c. A most gracious defender of the true Christian Faith.

TO THE MOST HIGH AND RENOWMED PRINCESSE, ELIZABETH, Queene of England, &c. A most gracious defender of the true Christian Faith.

JOHN CALVIN.

IOHN CALVIN.

Although in correcting and polishing of this Commentary, most noble Queen, I have travelled with such diligence, that it may well be esteemed a new book: yet because in the first edition it was dedicated to your brother King Edward, who in his infancy far surpassed the men of his time; whose memory also I wish ever to flourish, as worthily it deserves: I was determined to alter nothing touching the inscription. But because in this miserable and woeful scattering of the Church, and the abolishing of the sincere doctrine which hath happened in so short a space, with an incredible violence; this book, with the whole word of God, was banished England for a time: and that now as I hope it shall be received (as before) at your happy entrance into that kingdom; I have committed no absurdity, as I think, if together with the name of so worthy and excellent a King, I also join yours; which all good men do both love and honour. Yea, besides this occasion which thus offers it self; necessity also may seem to require that I should entreat your favour touching this Commentary in particular; the banishment whereof hath (I am well assured) been much lamented by very many of the faithful, your loving subjects.

ALthough in correcting and polishing of this Commētary, most noble Queene, I haue trauelled with such diligence, that it may well be esteemed a new booke: yet because in the first edition it was dedicated to your brother King Edward, who in his infancy farre surpassed the men of his time; whose memorie also I wish euer to flourish, as worthily it deserues: I was determined to alter nothing touching the inscription. But because in this miserable and wofull scattering of the Church, and the abolishing of the sincere doctrine which hath happened in so short a space, with an incredible violence; this booke, with the whole word of God, was banished England for a time: and that now as I hope it shall be receiued (as before) at your happie entrance into that kingdome; I haue committed no absurditie, as I thinke, if together with the name of so worthy and excellent a King, I also ioyne yours; which all good men do both loue and honour. Yea, besides this occasion which thus offers it selfe; necessitie also may seeme to require that I should intreate your fauour touching this Commentarie in particular; the banishment whereof hath (I am well assured) been much lamented by very many of the faithfull, your louing subiects.