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• The Twelfth Annual Report For the Year 1854.
• Translator’s Preface.
• To the Most Illustrious Prince Christopher, Duke of Wirtemberg, Earl of Montbeliard, &c. &c.
• Commentaries On the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians.
• The Argument of the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians.
• Commentaries On the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians.
• The Argument of the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians.
• A Translation of Calvin’s Version of the Epistles of Paul to the Galatians and Ephesians.
• A Translation of Calvin’s Version of the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians.
• A Translation of Calvin’s Version of the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians.
• Tables and Index to the Commentaries On the Epistles to the Galatians and Ephesians.
• Table I.: Of Passages From the Holy Scriptures Which Are Quoted, Or Incidentally Illustrated, In the Commentaries On the Epistles to the Galatians and Ephesians.
• Table II.: Of Greek Words Explained.
• Table III.: Of Hebrew Words Explained.

THE TWELFTH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1854.

New English Translations of Calvin’s Works.

Referring to the circumstances detailed in the last Annual Report, and the Resolution and explanations therein detailed, as to the completion of the present Series, in December 1855, the Secretary has now the pleasure of stating, that, during the past year, every exertion has been made to bring the operations of the Society to a close in a satisfactory manner—so far as the interests of the Subscribers are concerned—within the period prescribed.

The Books which have been prepared, in return for the Annual Subscriptions received for the year 1854, are the following:—

• I. Commentaries on the last four Books of Moses, arranged in the form of a Harmony, Vol. III., with Annotations, &c., by the Rev. Charles W. Bingham, M.A., Rector of Melcombe-Horsey, Dorset, and formerly Fellow of New College, Oxford.
• II. Commentaries on the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, Vol. IV., with Annotations, &c., and a New Translation of the Text corresponding to the Contents. By the Rev. John Owen, Vicar of Thrussington and Rural Dean, Leicestershire.
• III. Commentaries on the Epistles of St. Paul to the Galatians and Ephesians, with Annotations; and a New Translation of both of these Epistles, to which are appended Tables and a General Index. By the Rev. William Pringle. (Completed.)
• IV. Commentaries upon the Book of Joshua, with Tables and a General Index. By Henry Beveridge, Esq.: Professor Tholuck’s Dissertation on the value of Calvin as an Interpreter of Scripture: and Opinions and Testimonies respecting the Writings of John Calvin.—(Completed.)

These Volumes form the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Issues.

The four Volumes above-mentioned are in the course of being transmitted, through the usual channels, to every Member whose Subscriptions have hitherto reached the Office, 9, Northumberland Street, Edinburgh. Parties whose friends or Correspondents have omitted to remit their Annual Subscriptions and Arrears, will be so good as instruct them to do so without delay, by Post-Office, or Bank Orders, or Cheques, payable to the Secretary, and their Parcels will immediately be sent free of Carriage to any address in London, Dublin, or Edinburgh; or they will be booked at Railway Offices, or other Public conveyances, to be forwarded from thence, at their own risk and expense, to their respective destinations. Those who wish their Bankers or Agents to pay their Subscriptions will be pleased to send the Secretary a special Mandate to that effect.

To facilitate the prompt and accurate delivery of future parcels, Subscribers are particularly requested to send timely notice to the Office of the Secretary of all the changes of Residence and Address, or of any alteration in the present mode of conveyance.

The necessity of making prompt and punctual payment of the Annual Contributions is again most earnestly impressed on the Subscribers, so as to enable the Secretary to arrange the various materials—to put the Works to press at an earlier date than heretofore—and to regulate the number of copies to be printed. If the Members were uniformly to transmit their Annual payments direct to the Office in Edinburgh, in January or February of each year, all the other arrangements would be thereby greatly facilitated, and speedier delivery of the Books would also be secured till the close of the Society’s operations.

The Works which are in preparation for the last year of this Scheme (1855,) in return for the Annual Subscription payable on the First day of January 1855, and which will form the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth Issues, are the following:—

• 1. Commentary and Harmony of the Pentateuch. Vol. IV.—(Completed.)
• 2. Commentary on the Prophecies of Jeremiah, Vol. V., and the Lamentations of Jeremiah.—(Completed.)
• 3. Commentary on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.—(Completed.)
• 4. Commentary on the Catholic Epistles, of Peter, John, James, and Jude.—(Completed.)

All the Works for the Year1855 have for a considerable period been in active preparation. From the arrangements which were made before the close of the year 1853, it is trusted that under the permission of God, this invaluable Series of the Works of Calvin will be brought to a satisfactory termination in the month of December 1855.

RENEWED APPEAL TO SUBSCRIBERS.

On several occasions, the Secretary has felt himself compelled to make known to the Subscribers to this Scheme, in general terms, the very heavy advance he has been induced to make in furtherance of the amended plan of New and Original Translations of the choicest of the Works of Calvin; and he is advised by friends, whose opinion and advice he is bound to respect, once more to state the simple facts in reference to his present position.

The very unsatisfactory manner in which the Commentaries on the Acts and Romans had been translated in the Old English Version, (which the Syndicate had unfortunately resolved from the outset to present to the Subscribers,) and the antiquated and uncouth phraseology employed in these Versions, were most unsuitable to the taste and spirit of the times in which we live. On this account, and in justice to his own very decided opinion on that subject, which he had strongly expressed before the commencement of the Society, the Secretary found it necessary, either to abandon the official management of the Original Scheme, or vigorously to carry out, on his own individual means, a plan of exclusively New and carefully prepared Translations of the leading and Practical Works of John Calvin. He accordingly notified this resolution to the Council in the spring of the year 1844. After due consultation, the Committee of Management at once resiled from all pecuniary responsibilities, as they felt assured that the Annual Subscription of £1 was quite inadequate to meet the increased outlays necessary for producing New Translations, and provide costly books of reference for the use of numerous Editors in preparing their respective volumes. The result has proved the correctness and sound judgment of the Committee. But although they shrunk from adopting the proposed New Translations’ Scheme, they generously offered their best advice and assistance. Without hesitation or delay, he at once undertook the whole labour and pecuniary expenditure, and from that time, all the anxious and laborious duties of Editorial Secretary, Conductor, and Treasurer of the entire Scheme devolved upon him. From the establishment of the Society in 1843—now a period of twelve years—he has, from year to year, unshrinkingly provided the whole of the funds necessary for the preparation, Editorial Superintendence, and publication of this very extensive Series, at present consisting of Forty-Eight large Octavo Volumes. This has been done on such a liberal scale, and the works have been produced in such a style and at such cost, that the super-expenditure since 1843, (over and above all Subscriptions and sales of the books,) now amounts to upwards of Three Thousand Pounds.

From the commencement of the year 1844, there has never been fewer than Ten and frequently Twelve Volumes steadily kept in progress in the hands of able and learned Editors, to provide for the regular and uninterrupted supply of carefully elaborated and revised materials. This fact will, of itself, shew to such of our Subscribers as are not conversant with such matters, the great difficulties, outlays, and perplexities attending the publication of Works on so great a scale of magnitude. From first to last he has received no pecuniary aid from Members, excepting in two instances, where double subscriptions have been transmitted for the last three or four years, by kind and considerate Members who were desirous of shewing, in this manner, the interest they take in the successful termination of the Scheme, and the expression of their individual sympathy, by contributing thus far towards the reduction of these oppressively large outlays.

The Secretary trusts that it is only necessary to let these few and simple facts be known to the Subscribers at large, to induce them, and other well-wishers of such undertakings as the present, to take a much warmer and heartier interest in the increased circulation of complete Sets of the Works. With a little organization and management, and without the necessity of pecuniary advance by those who shall be disposed to give hearty assistance, it is certain that at least 350 or 400 Sets of the Works could readily be disposed of by Members, individually, or by the operations of a regularly organized and active Committee. It is hoped that every one who is desirous of promoting this object will cheerfully cooperate in enlarging the numbers of our Subscribers and promoting the sale of the Publications by every means in their power.

Since the last Annual Report was circulated, the Secretary begs most gratefully to announce that in May 1854 a large and influential Committee has been instituted in London; and he has the pleasure of annexing a Paper which has, within the last few days, been prepared for general circulation, in the hope that similar Committees may be formed in other quarters for the furtherance of the same object, and that individual Subscribers may likewise be induced to take a livelier interest in the generous exertions and anticipations of the friends of the Society in London.

An earnest Appeal is therefore once more made to EACH SUBSCRIBER to lend his utmost influence and systematic personal support towards the extension of the Sale of complete Sets of the Calvin Society’s Publications, and the increase of its regular Members.

There are comparatively few individuals who could not prevail on one or more of their friends to join our Scheme, or at least influence others who have the means; while others who have the direction of Parish, Congregational, Vestry or Lending Libraries, Religious Societies, Reading Clubs, and other Public Institutions, might effect the purchase of the whole Series for their respective Libraries. Other Subscribers might, individually, or with the pecuniary assistance of a few private friends, present Sets of the Works to their own Ministers, to Missionary Societies, to deserving Students of Divinity, or to Religious Institutions, and private friends.

A few honourable and praiseworthy instances may be given at random from the Subscription Lists of the Society, in illustration of this efficient mode of increasing the circulation of these Books:—

The Free Church of Scotland have regularly supplied Six Missionaries on their Indian Scheme, and Four Missionaries employed in the Conversion of the Jews, since the institution of this Society—with complete Sets of the Works.—Private individuals have likewise generously presented Sets to the London City Mission; Religious Tract Society; Stepney College; Homerton College; Liverpool Sunday Institute; Madeira Library; Parker Society; Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Colleges, at Trevecca and Bala; St. Edmund’s Hall, Oxford; King’s College, Aberdeen; Theological Library, Marischal College, Aberdeen; Universities of Edinburgh and St. Andrews; Theological Library, Edinburgh College; Free Church College, Edinburgh; Baptist College, Bristol; Presbytery of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; Divinity College, Belfast; Diocesan Library, Cashel; Dean and Chapter Library, Peterborough; Rotherham College; Edinburgh Select Subscription Library; Edinburgh Philosophical Institution; Presbyterian Board of Publication, United States; Clerical Libraries, at Lancaster, Stockport, Lincoln’s-Inn-Fields, &c.; The Young Men’s Christian Association in London, and the kindred Association of that name in Dublin—while numerous Sets are regularly transmitted to Colleges in America, and to Missionaries in India, China, New Zealand, &c. Besides these, it is gratifying to mention that the Public Religious Institutions, Vestry and Parish Libraries, and Book Clubs, who subscribe from their own respective funds, have of late been gradually increasing in number.

The value and importance of Calvin’s Commentaries are now much more widely known and acknowledged; and very many individuals have joined the Society, within the last few years, who have frankly declared that at the origin of this Society they refrained from subscribing, because they were quite ignorant of the true character and merit of Calvin’s Writings. They therefore patiently watched the progress of our Works until they were thoroughly satisfied with their evangelical soundness, as well as their inestimable value to Ministers, in their private studies, as well as in preparing for the pulpit.

Before closing this Report, it may be noticed that the Books of the concluding year of the Calvin Society, have for a considerable time been in steady and satisfactory progress in the hands of our indefatigable and learned Translators and Editors. It is expected that the two Issues for 1855, will be delivered in the months of August and December, when the Society’s Series of Calvin’s Works will extend to Fifty-two large Octavo Volumes.

Receipts for the Subscription due on the First day of January1855, will be ready at the Office in Edinburgh previous to the close of this year, so as to be transmitted in course of post to Subscribers, or their Correspondents or Agents, sending the remittances, which, for the sake of greater security, are requested to be uniformly made, not in Cash or Bank Notes, but by Post-Office Orders, Bank Bills, or Cheques, payable to the Secretary.

*∗* It will be esteemed as a personal favour, and will likewise greatly tend to alleviate the present pressure, if Subscribers will kindly forward their Subscriptionsas early as convenient.

1st January 1855. PUBLICATION OF CALVIN’S WORKS.
NEW ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS.

The Series, so far as published, may be hadimmediately,and the rest when ready,on remittance by Order for £13, payable to the Secretary;—or theIssues will be delivered as shall be most convenient to intending Subscribersuntil the completion of the Works—in December 1855.

Calvin Translation Society, INSTITUTED MAY, 1843.

• Patraus.
• the duke of argyll.
• the duchess of gordon.
• the marquess of cholmondeley.
• lord viscount hill.
• the lord bishop of calcutta.
• the bishop of georgia, u.s.
• lord lindsay.
• the duke of manchester.
• the marquess of breadalbank.
• the earl of shaftesbury.
• the lord bishop of cashel and waterford, &c.
• the bishop of illinois, u.s.
• lord rayleigh.

Robert Pitcairn, F.S.A.Scot. Secretary. Office, 9, Northumberland Street, Edinburgh.

Four Large Octavo Volumes Yearly to Subscribers, for One Pound.

Amongst the Theological Works which were widely circulated in England and Scotland during the latter part of the Sixteenth Century, Translations of many of the Writings of John Calvin had a distinguished place. Of his eminence as a Divine and Commentator on the Holy Scriptures, it is unnecessary here to speak, though few are now fully aware of the very high respect in which his Works were held by all the leading English Reformers and Ecclesiastical Writers from Cranmer to Hooker, and the extensive benefits resulting to the Church of Christ from his literary labours. At that time, doctrines which he never held were not attributed to him; nor were sentiments imputed to him which he never advocated. Bishop Horsley well advised, to ascertain what is Calvinism and what is not.

It has now been resolved not to reprint any of the old Translations, but to have accurate and faithful new translations prepared for the present undertaking. There can be no doubt that this important Series of the Theology of the Protestant Reformation will be acceptable and useful at the present period—to all who value true Scriptural Doctrines—who thoroughly approve the principles of the Protestant Faith—and who duly appreciate these valuable Writings; but especially are they needful to all who are engaged in the study of Divinity and in the exposition of The Sacred Scriptures.

It is proposed to print New Translations of all Calvin’s Practical Comments on Scripture, Institutes and Theological Treatises, so as to present a complete collection of his Choicest Works.Four volumes (each containing on an average 500 pages) will be delivered to every Subscriber, for such Annual Subscription of One Pound, paid in advance on 1st January yearly. Copious Tables and Indices are appended to each of the Commentaries, &c., to facilitate reference, and to render the whole Series more generally useful and acceptable to every class of readers. To secure the efficient working of this plan, the impression is limited to 2500 copies.

For the above mentioned Annual Subscription of One Pound, it is arranged that in one year the most important of the Translations will be completed, and the present Series closed in December 1855. Each work will be independent of the rest; but the whole will be uniform in size and type, as far as the extent of each of the respective Works will permit.

Managers of Public, Paroohial, Congregational, Vestry or Lending Libraries, Religious Societies, Reading Clubs, and other Public Institutions, are respectfully invited to consider the advantage of subscribing to these Translations. Parties wishing to make presents to Parish Libraries, Ministers, Students of Divinity, or Private friends, would also find that these Works could not fail to be a very useful and acceptable gift.

Subscription [£1] payable in advance, on 1st January.

*∗* Any portion of the above Works, odd Volumes, or separate Commentaries, may be selected by Non-Subscribers at 7s. 6d. per Volume. The Institutes (or odd Volumes of that Work to complete sets) supplied at 10s. per Volume.

Books delivered free in London, Dublin, and Edinburgh.

ISSUES OF THE WORKS OF THE CALVIN TRANSLATION SOCIETY.
☛ TO BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 1855.

*∗* The Works for the year 1855, which are in active preparation, will (D. V.) be issued in August and December, (1855,) and CLOSE THE PRESENT SERIES.

OFFICE OF THE CALVIN SOCIETY, 9, NORTHUMBERLAND ST., EDINBURGH. Robert Pitcairn, F.S.A. Scot.,Secretary.

THE CALVIN TRANSLATION SOCIETY.

instituted in may m.dccc.xliii.

FOR PUBLICATION OF TRANSLATIONS OF THE WORKS OF JOHN CALVIN.

annual subscription, one pound, payable in advance on 1st january. four volumes: circulated in two half-yearly issues.

TO BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 1855.

Arting and Editorial Secretary, Robert Pitcairn, F.S.A. Scot. Calvin Office, 9, Northumberland Street, Edinburgh.