To the Most High and Renowned Princess, Elizabeth, Queen of England — A Most Gracious Defender of the True Christian Faith
John Calvin.
Although in correcting and polishing of this Commentary, most noble Queen, I have traveled 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 has happened in so short a space, with an incredible violence; this book, with the whole word of God, was banished from 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 honor. Indeed, besides this occasion which thus offers itself; necessity also may seem to require that I should seek your favor touching this Commentary in particular; the banishment of which has (I am well assured) been much lamented by very many of the faithful, your loving subjects.
Although I confess my meaning is not so much to obtain your favor only in respect of my labors, as humbly to beseech, indeed and by the sacred name of Christ to adjure you, that not only all good books may again find entertainment, and be freely used in your kingdom under your allowance: but also that you be careful in the first place, of that true religion which has been shamefully corrupted. If Jesus Christ, the only son of God does justly challenge this of all the Kings of the earth, then has he bound you, most noble Queen, with a more holy bond to put your sacred hand to such a work. For in that time wherein yourself, the daughter of a King, were not free from that dreadful tempest rushing down so furiously upon the heads of all the faithful; (this Lord Jesus I say) plucking you safe thereout, albeit you had your part with them in the fear of this danger; he has obliged you to vow yourself and all your designs to his service. And so far is it from that you have any cause to blush in respect of such a deliverance, that contrariwise God has therein given you ample and plentiful matter of rejoicing, in vouchsafing thus to conform you to the image of his son; to whom our prophet among other glorious titles gives him this, namely, That out of prison, and from judgment was he taken, and exalted to a sovereign degree of celestial rule and dominion. As it is not a common honor then to resemble such a Patron: so as often as you shall call the same to mind (which you should never forget) out of what perplexed and woeful fears you are escaped through God's providence, who has in a visible manner as it were, reached forth his hand from heaven to you. Know that he sets this mark before you; namely, that with a fearless constancy, and an invincible magnanimity of mind, you should interchangeably reserve to your Protector and Redeemer, that right which to him appertains; and setting all other businesses aside (with which on all sides you shall be surrounded in these beginnings of your reign) you will (which I nothing doubt of) give such order that his service unworthily corrupted for a time in your country, may be there reestablished in its first glory.
And if Satan endeavor to terrify, or weaken you in proposing many and great impediments; you know of whom you ought to crave courage, cheerfully to go on, and to overcome all obstacles. God also for his part, who approves of men's particular actions, will crown in you his work, with a happy and wished end.
Moreover, your duty to religion, most excellent Queen, should the rather provoke you; seeing our Isaiah requires, that Queens should be no less nursing mothers to his Church, than Kings the nursing fathers thereof. Neither are you only bound to purge out the filth of popery again; and that the flock lately frightened and dispersed, be again gathered together and fostered: but that you also call home the banished exiles, who chose rather to lose the present profits of their native country, than there to continue, while piety was chased from there. Here is the sum of your thankfulness towards God, and a sacrifice of a most sweet savor, namely, that the faithful servants of God, who were constrained to wander to and fro in far countries for the profession of the Gospel, may now return home to their houses by your favor.
As for us, who for good cause have bitterly bewailed so lamentable a spectacle (we, I say) have just occasion given us now to be glad, and to be grateful to you, when by the clemency of your eye, we presently see the way made open to our brethren, not only to serve God with freedom in your Majesty's dominions; but also to be a means by which others may enjoy the like benefit there with them.
To conclude, most noble Queen, if of your favor you accept (as I hope you will) this testimony of the reverence which I owe to your Greatness; though many may esteem the same small and contemptible: yet shall I think myself abundantly recompensed, and will all my life endeavor by all means possible to manifest my thankfulness to your Highness for the same.
The Lord guide and govern you, most noble Queen, by his Spirit of wisdom; strengthen you with invincible fortitude; defend and enrich your Highness with all sorts of blessings. From Geneva, the year 1559, January the 15th, which, as they say, is appointed for the day of your Coronation; for which cause I did the more willingly set pen to paper, having obtained some release from a quartan Ague.
