To the Reader

This book being brought to me to peruse and to consider of, I thought it my part, not only to allow of it to the print, but also to commend it to the reader, as a treatise most comfortable to all afflicted consciences exercised in the School of Christ. The author felt what he spoke, and had experience of what he wrote, and therefore able more lively to express both the assaults and the salving, the order of the battle, and the means of the victory. Satan is the enemy, the victory is by only faith in Christ, as John records. If Christ justify, who can condemn, says Saint Paul. This most necessary doctrine the author has most substantially cleared in this his comment. Which being written in the Latin tongue, certain godly learned men have most sincerely translated into our language, to the great benefit of all such as with humbled hearts will diligently read the same. Some began it according to such skill as they had. Others, godly affected, not suffering so good a matter in handling to be marred, put to their helping hands for the better framing and furthering of so worthy a work. They refuse to be named, seeking neither their own gain nor glory, but thinking it their happiness, if by any means they may relieve afflicted minds, and do good to the church of Christ, yielding all glory to God, to whom all glory is due.

April 28, 1575. Edwinus London.

When this book was brought to me to review and consider, I felt it was my duty not only to approve it for publication but also to commend it to the reader as a work that brings great comfort to all troubled consciences shaped by Christ's school of suffering. The author felt what he spoke and had personal experience of what he wrote, which allowed him to describe both the attacks of the enemy and their remedy — the course of the battle and the means of victory — with vivid clarity. Satan is the enemy, and the victory comes through faith in Christ alone, as John records. If Christ justifies, who can condemn? — as Saint Paul declares. The author has most thoroughly established this essential doctrine in his commentary. Originally written in Latin, certain godly and learned men have translated it faithfully into our language, to the great benefit of all who will read it with humble hearts. Some began the work according to the skill they had. Others, caring deeply about the subject, would not allow such an important work to be handled poorly and lent their hands to frame and advance so worthy a project. They have refused to be named, seeking neither personal gain nor glory, but counting it their happiness if by any means they can relieve troubled minds and do good to the church of Christ — giving all glory to God, to whom all glory belongs.

April 28, 1575. Edwinus London.