John Calvin to Grynaeus: Prefatory Letter
I remember, that three years ago, when we communed familiarly between ourselves, of the best kind of expounding the Scripture, that reason which pleased you greatly, was also at the same time before all others approved of me. For we were both of this mind, that the principal point of an interpreter did consist in a plain brevity. And truly seeing this is in a manner his whole charge, to show forth the mind of the writer, whom he has taken upon him to expound: look by how much he leads the readers away from the same, by so much he is wide of his mark, or rather after a sort wanders out of his bounds. So we wished that among them, which at this day seek to further the study of divinity in this kind of labor, there might some one be found, that both studied for facility or easiness, and also gave his diligence not to trouble those who are desirous of learning, above measure with long commentaries. And although I know all men are not of this mind: and they which are not of this mind, have also their reasons which induce them to judge so: yet notwithstanding I cannot be drawn from the love of compendious brevity. But seeing through that, variety is grafted in the minds of men, some things please some men better than others: let every man herein use his own judgment, so that no one man covet to bring all other men under his rules. So it shall come to pass, that neither we, who are more delighted with brevity, shall refuse, or contemn their labors, who are more copious and large in expounding the holy scriptures: and they again shall bear with us, albeit they think we are brief and short. I could not choose but make a trial what good I might do herein to the church of God. Not as though I had already obtained that, which then seemed best to us: either thought when I began that I could obtain it: but I endeavored, so to order my style or form of writing, that I might seem to apply my mind toward that example. How much I have profited herein, because it is not my part to judge, I leave that to you, and such as you are, to be esteemed. Sure I am many will condemn my policy, in that I dared make a trial, chiefly in this Epistle of Paul. For seeing so many men of excellent learning, before this have taken great pains in the interpreting hereof, it is to be supposed, there remains no place for others to better that they have already done. And I must needs confess, that notwithstanding I was persuaded my work would be of some value, yet this thought at the first did terrify me, for I feared to incur the reproach of rashness, if after so many skilled workmen I should lay hand to this work. There are many commentaries upon this Epistle, both of the elder, and latter writers. And surely they could nowhere better have bestowed their labor: seeing if a man understands it, he has a certain way opened to him, to the understanding of the whole Scripture. I will speak nothing of the old writers: who for their piety, knowledge, sanctimony, and antiquity, are of such authority that we ought to despise nothing, which has proceeded from them. And name by name to recite all those that live at this day were to no purpose. Therefore I will declare my mind touching those who have bestowed special pains herein. Philip Melanchthon according to that singular knowledge, industry, and dexterity, whereby he excels in all kind of learning above those who came forth before him, has given great light. But because as it may seem, his purpose was only to discuss the principal things: while he stays in them, wittingly he passes by many things, which may greatly trouble a simple wit. After him comes Bullinger, who also for his merits has gotten great praise. For he had an easiness coupled with his learning, wherein he greatly approved himself.
Finally, Bucer having set forth his labors, did (as a man would say) make up the matter. For that man (as you know) besides the hidden learning, and abundant knowledge of many things, besides the sharpness of wit, great reading, and many other virtues, wherein he is almost inferior to none at this day, to be compared but with few, and excels many: is chiefly to be commended in this, that none in our time has used more exact diligence in expounding the scripture than he. Therefore as I do confess, it were a token of too impudent emulation, to contend with such men, so it was never in my mind to take from them the least part of praise. Let them have that favor and authority, which by the confession of all good men they have deserved. Yet notwithstanding (as I hope) this will be granted to me, that there was never at any time among men any thing so absolute, in polishing, garnishing, or setting forth of which, there was not place left for the diligence of those who came after. I dare say nothing of myself, but that I thought this my labor would not be unprofitable: to which nothing else did ever move me, than the public benefit of the Church. Moreover, I well hoped that in a diverse kind of writing, I should not be pressed with any spite of emulation, which thing I was chiefly to take heed of. Philip has obtained his purpose, which was to open the principal points, wherein while he bestowed himself, he let many things slip, which are not to be neglected, not forbidding others to declare those also.
Bucer is both larger than that hastily he may be read by those who are tied to other business: and also higher, than that easily he can be understood by the simple, and those who are not very circumspect. For whatever argument he takes upon him to entreat of (through that plentiful wit, wherein he excels) he has such store of matter, that he knows not where to leave off. Seeing therefore the one of them has not pursued all, and the other is more large than that he can be read in short time: I think my attempt has no show of rivalry. Yet I doubted with myself a good while, whether I were better to make (as it were) certain gleanings after them, and others, wherein I might gather those things which I thought profitable for the meaner sort: or else should make a whole comment, wherein of necessity I must repeat many things, which either of all, or at the least of some of them had been said before. But because they many times vary among themselves, which thing greatly troubles the simple reader, who doubts to which of them he might the rather lean: I thought also it were not amiss, if by showing the best interpretation, I did ease them of the pains of judging, who of themselves are not sufficiently able to judge aright: especially seeing I determined to comprise all things so briefly, that the readers should not spend much time, to read those things with me, which are contained in others. Finally, I had great regard, that no man should justly complain, there were many superfluous things here. Concerning the profitableness hereof I will say nothing: and yet perhaps the godly, after they have read, will confess that they have gotten more hereby, than modesty will suffer me in words to promise. And whereas I do sometimes disagree from others, or rather am somewhat contrary to others, therein I am to be excused. For verily the word of God ought to be of such reverence with us, that through the diversity of interpretations, it might not be drawn asunder by us, no not one hairbreadth. For so the majesty thereof is (I cannot tell how) diminished, and so much the more if the same be not done with great choice, and sobriety. For if it be a sin to pollute anything that is dedicated to God: surely he is not to be suffered, who does irreverently handle that thing, which of all other things that are in the earth is most holy.
Therefore it is abominable boldness to use the scripture at our pleasure, and to play with them, as with a tennis ball: which many before this have done. Yet a man might see at all times, how that even those, who have godly, religiously, and soberly handled the mysteries of God, have not always agreed among themselves. For God at no time has vouchsafed his servants with so singular a blessing, that every one of them, should be endowed with a full, perfect, and absolute knowledge. And it is not to be doubted but he does it partly to the end he might humble us, and partly to retain us in the study of brotherly communication. Therefore seeing it is not to be looked for in this present life, albeit it were greatly to be wished, that there were a perpetual consent among us in expounding the places of scripture: we must do our endeavor, that neither stirred with desire of innovation, nor compelled through lust of defaming others, or moved by any hatred, nor yet tickled with any ambition: but only constrained to it of necessity, seeking nothing else than the public profit of the Church, we depart from the judgments of those who were before us: and again that the same be done [reconstructed: in the exposition] of the scripture: for concerning the points of religion, [reconstructed: wherein] chiefly God would have his to be of one mind, less liberty is to be taken. The readers shall easily find in me care of both these. But because it is not seemly for me either to judge, or pronounce of myself, I do willingly [reconstructed: permit] this office to you: to whose judgment if all men attribute much, there is nothing which I ought not to attribute, wherein you are thoroughly known to me by familiar conversation, which notwithstanding it many times diminishes the reputation of others, it has greatly augmented yours, which otherwise is famous with all the learned.
Farewell, from [reconstructed: Argentine,] the 15th of the Calends of November, 1539.
