To this question the Translator answers, _First_, The form of the present translation and the price at which it is published place the work within the reach of thousands to whom it might otherwise be a sealed book. _Second_, While this Translation is the cheapest in existence, it is also the only one which can, in strict truth, be regarded as genuine. The edition from which this translation is made was published in 1842. The date would have been of little consequence if the work had continued the same; but the fact is, that the edition of 1842 is not a reprint, but a complete revision of the one which preceded it. Numerous passages of considerable length and great importance have been introduced, while others which had, on a careful examination, been deemed redundant or inaccurate, have been expunged. Surely, after all the pains which the distinguished author has expended on the improvement of his work, it is scarcely doing justice either to him or to the English reader to leave his improvements unknown. In another respect the present Translation exclusively contains what is conceived to be a very decided improvement. All the Notes, the meaning of which is not given in the Text, have been literally translated. It seemed somewhat absurd while translating French for the benefit of the English reader, to be at the same time presenting him with a large number of passages of untranslated Latin. While the work has been printed in a form to which the most fastidious cannot object, it has been issued at a price which makes it accessible to all. The result, it is hoped, will be, that D'Aubigné's History of the Reformation will obtain a circulation somewhat adequate to its merits, and by its introduction into every family become what it well deserves to be--a household book. CONTENTS. BOOK I. STATE OF MATTERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION. PAGE CHAP. I. Christianity--Formation of the Papacy--Unity of the Church--The Decretals--Hildebrand--Corruption of Doctrine, 13 CHAP. II. Grace and Works--Pelagianism--Penances--Indulgences-- Supererogation--Purgatory--Taxation--Jubilee, 27 CHAP. III. Relics--Easter Merriment--Corruption of the Clergy--A Priest's Family--Education--Ignorance, 34 CHAP. IV. Christianity Imperishable--Opposition to Rome--Frederick the Wise--His Character--His Anticipation, 42 CHAP. V. The Empire--National Character--Switzerland--Italy--Spain-- Portugal--France--Netherlands--England--Scotland--The North--Russia--Poland--Bohemia--Hungary, 48 CHAP. VI. State of Theology--Witnesses for the Truth--The Vaudois-- Wickliffe---Huss--Savonarola--John Wessel--Prolés, 58 CHAP. VII.