[Epistle to the Reader (Calvin, 1559)
Prefixed to the last edition, revised by the author.]

In the first edition of this work, having not the least expectation of the success which God, in his boundless goodness, has been pleased to give it, I had, for the greater par, performed my task in a perfunctory manner (as is usual in trivial undertakings); but when I understood that is had been received, by almost all the pious, with a favor which I had never dared to ask, far less to hope for, the more I was sincerely conscious that the reception was beyond my deserts, the greater I though my ingratitude would be, if, to the very kind wishes which had been expressed toward me, and which seemed of their own accord to invite me to diligence, I did not endeavor to respond, at least according to my humble ability.

[Method and Arrangement, or Subject of the Whole Work
From an Epitome of the Institutions, by Gaspar Olevian

The subject handled by the author of these Christian Institutes is twofold: the former, the knowledge of God, which leads to a blessed immortality; and the latter(which is subordinate to the former), the knowledge of ourselves.

The first book treats of the knowledge of God the Creator.