To the Christian Reader

hen we read of the deeds of Abraham, dear reader, we must always call to mind that he is not to be reckoned as an ordinary man

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among the faithful, but as the common father of us all, so that all should conform themselves to him (Rom. 4:16). Now among the other deeds worthy to be imitated, from which we may draw plain lessons of faith and obedience, none could be found more excellent or more memorable than the sacrifice of his son — an act by which he was tested in earnest, not only in these two respects but in every sense, as by a final trial; even as the Apostle to the Hebrews shows, that this trial ought to be reckoned above all others that had gone before it, and that it summed up and crowned all the rest that he had previously undergone. But to know better how great this trial was, we must carefully weigh the circumstances noted in the account which Moses gives in his Genesis — circumstances so skilfully drawn out and so ingeniously set before our eyes by our faithful minister, Mr. John Calvin, in treating this passage in his ordinary sermons, that I thought it would be a welcome thing to share with you what those who heard them preached have gathered from them, so that you might take from them something of the same savour felt by those who were touched and moved by his living voice.

And besides, they will serve you, so that you may learn to stand fast and unmoved when you yourself are brought to such a trial. It is true that God does not test the faith of all of us with such severity; nevertheless, he has willed to give us an example in the person of our father Abraham, by which he calls us all to the common trial of our faith, which he will not allow to lie idle. Moreover, just as Abraham showed that he feared God by not sparing his own son, so of all the faithful a like testimony of their faith is required, in that they too must renounce themselves. But let this be noted here only in passing, referring you for fuller instruction to a diligent reading and constant meditation upon these sermons. Now I pray our good God, that it would please him, by his grace, so to bless this small labour that it may not remain fruitless. Farewell.