PREFACE. THE present volume is composed precisely upon the same plan as the two which have preceded it, on the Lutheran Reformation. The materials are drawn from the Author's Continuation of Milner's Church History and the design has been to present all that can be interesting to the general reader-still referring the more minute inquirer, and especially the theological student to the original work. The volume is not however a mere abridgment: a new arrangement, and even new matter is occasionally introduced. Nor is such documentary evidence withheld as may furnish the illustration, which is so necessary and so gratifying, of the real spirit and conduct of the more eminent reformers. The history of the Swiss branch of the reformation has in general been little known in this country, compared with what it deserves to be: and even the life of Calvin may be said never to have been brought before the English reader, with any attempt adequately to illustrate it from the reformer's correspondence and other original documents, in any work prior to that from which the present volume is derived. At least no such work has come under the Author's observation. For the authorities, on which the several statements rest, the reader must be referred, as before, to the Continuation of Milner. Hull, Dec. 11, 1832. J. S. CONTENTS. |