The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated…The commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated…

Whereas I have made mention of the names of those kings unto whom I had dedicated these my Commentaries: least the change incur the crime of lightness among certain unskilful men, I must briefly render some reason thereof. For although both the remembrance of the father who is dead, doth retain that reverence with me which it deserveth; and I do also as becometh me reverence the son: yet the importunateness of certain did enforce me to put out their names in this second edition, who being incensed against me with a furious hatred and fear, least the majesty of kings do purchase some favour to my writings, do boast abroad that they did conceive sore displeasure, that their name was mixed with the doctrine of the sacraments which they them selves disallow. I leave it indifferent whether that be true or no, neither do I pass: forasmuch as I did neither hunt after any private gain, ne yet seek to win favour. But because it seemed to me an undecent and filthy thing, to enforce those books upon men which are unwilling to entertain them, which do find willing readers enough, it was worth the declaring now, that I never did think any thing less: but that I did hope for more courtesy than I found. In that truly there can be no offence, if withdrawing my self from the contempt of those who loath my dutifulness, I suffer them to enjoy those delights of theirs which they desire, and wherein they delight. Of you (most famous prince) have I made choice not without good cause, whom I might put in the place of two: both because I think you most worthy, to have your name appear in the spiritual building of Christs temple: neither do I fear but that my book shall find the same friendship at your hands, which you did vouchsafe to declare towards me in your most gentle letters. But omitting at this time the respect of private good will, I will stay in another thing. Moreover I may full well apply unto you that speech which I had before with another. Neither am I determined in this place to commend those most excellent virtues wherewith you have purchased great authority & singular favour with the king of Polonia:

WHeras I haue made mention of the names of those kings vnto whom I had dedicated these my Commentaries: least the change incurre the crime of lightnesse among certaine vnskilfull men, I must brieflie render some reason thereof. For although both the remembrance of the father who is dead, doth retaine that reuerence with mee which it deserueth; and I doe also as becommeth mee reuerence the sonne: yet the importunatenes of certaine did inforce me to put out their names in this second edition, who being incensed against me with a furious hatred and feare, least the maiestie of kings doe purchase some fauor to my writings, do boast abroad that they did conceiue sore displeasure, that their name was mixed with the doctrine of the sacraments which they them selues disalow. I leaue it indifferent whether that be true or no, neither doe I passe: forasmuch as I did neither hunt after anie priuate gaine, ne yet seeke to win fauor. But because it seemed to me an vndecent and filthie thing, to enforce those bookes vpon men which are vnwilling to entertaine them, which doe find willing readers inough, it was worth the declaring now, that I neuer did think any thing lesse: but that I did hope for more courtesie than I found. In that trulie there can be no offence, if withdrawing my selfe from the contempt of those who loath my dutifulnesse, I suffer them to enioy those delights of theirs which they desire, and wherein they delight. Of you (most famous prince) haue I made choise not without good cause, whom I might put in the place of two: both because I thinke you most worthie, to haue your name appeare in the spirituall building of Christes temple: neither doe I feare but that my booke shall finde the same friendship at your handes, which you did vouchsafe to declare towardes mee in your most gentle letters. But omitting at this time the respect of priuate good will, I will stay in another thing. Moreouer I may full well applie vnto you that speech which I had before with another. Neither am I determined in this place to commend those most excellent vertues wherwith you haue purchased great authoritie & singular fauor with the king of Polonia: