The French Translator to the Reader

It is twenty years since and more, good Reader, that the lessons of Master John Calvin upon the Prophet Isaiah (which being collected by Master Nicolas Gallars) were printed under the title of a Commentary; and dedicated to that noble Prince of blessed memory, Edward the Sixth, King of England. A long time after, the Author himself reviewing this collection, imprinted both in Latin, and in French: satisfied not himself only to review it, thereby to explain that, which otherwise seemed obscure, by reason of the brevity of it; and to set that in order, which was somewhat confused: but he labored therein with such diligence and good success, that he augmented it in Latin with excellent and necessary matters for the understanding of the text; more than the third part: bringing all things into so exact a form, that if any be pleased to take so much pains, as to compare the first Commentary or collection of those lessons, with this second; he shall find that which we have said to be very true. Neither was this gathered in the schools the second time, as at the first; but was written in the house, even word for word by the Author's own direction: who has so aptly disposed and couched the whole together, that in perusing of it, you shall perceive in this book, as well as in others which have already passed his hands, that he has done great service to the Church of God, and has also faithfully chalked out the way to such as desire to profit in divine studies. But especially by these his Commentaries, which being carefully read, will serve no less to the explaining of many texts that are contained in other books of the holy Scripture, as they will also be most helpful to give the true sense of the Prophet Isaiah; which has moved me (good Reader) to bestow my pains in translating the whole anew into French: lest such among you as understand not the Latin tongue, should be deprived of so great a benefit. Read, and profit thereby in the fear of God.