To the Reader
Of such precious esteem (Christian Reader) were the expositions of this reverend author in the Church of Geneva, that although some of them were by himself spoken, and others of them written in Latin; and that in favor of the learned especially: yet because with his more than ordinary depth of judgment he always matched a singular simplicity and plainness, so that he therein stoops to the capacity, even of the simplest; it was thought fit, that by some of good note in the said Church, they should all be translated into the common French, for the benefit of all such as understood the same.
Which commendable zeal and godly care of theirs, as it worthily provoked many of this our Church for the common good, (at the happy entrance of our late dear and dread Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth into this kingdom) to translate diverse of his Commentaries upon the books both of the Old, and New Testament into English; so if their good beginnings had been seconded by answerable proceedings, thousands might, I doubt not, have reaped the like fruit by those that are yet untranslated, which they have done by the former. Therefore, this service to the Church of God having been a long time neglected, and not hearing of any that purposed to set his helping hand to this so necessary a business, I thought it might happily prove a labor not altogether unseasonable nor unprofitable, if according to my poor ability I endeavored either to continue forth those former good beginnings, or at least thereby to quicken up the care of such as are much more able than myself, to prosecute the same.
To which purpose (good Reader) some few years since, for the first attempt, I selected out of this learned author's works in French, his Commentary upon the Hebrews, not before translated; which being authorized, I was bold soon after to present you therewith. Now because, as I suppose, it has not passed abroad without some good fruit, it has the rather encouraged me once more, while I profited myself in reading this Commentary upon the princely Prophet Isaiah, to have some respect of your profiting also. For which cause you have the same now, as the former; translated, allowed, and also published (if you will) for your particular use and profit.
As touching the fruit that is from there to be reaped, it would be much better that you yourself from your own experience might be able to report, than for me here at large to elaborate. Only this I think I may not omit: if in reading this prophecy you would have the difficulties therein cleared; your judgment in other things not obscure, either rectified, or confirmed; your meditations concerning diverse sorts of instructions, threats, reprehensions, promises, and consolations enlarged; lo here a Philip ready at hand in any of these things to satisfy your desires. To conclude, if you enter upon the reading of this book, and would indeed benefit yourself thereby, then give me leave to use the Apostle's exhortation (though by him used to another purpose) Be not weary in well-doing, but proceed on constantly, so shall you (I doubt not) in due season reap, if you faint not.
Farewell, and profit more and more in the study of God's word, never giving the Lord rest day nor night, till in the truth of your heart, you can in some good measure profess with these three Worthies following, that you likewise have made the same your chief repast, delight and treasure.
I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my appointed food: Job 23:12. Your words are found by me, and I did eat them, and your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: Jeremiah 15:16. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver: Psalm 119:72.
Yours in Christ, C. C.
