When writing the "History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century", author's intention was not to write the history of a religion, but that of one of the greatest revolutions which had taken place among men. Therefore, this is the history of that mighty impulse which was given to the world five centuries ago and the influence of which is still everywhere perceived. The history of the Reformation is different from the history of Protestantism. The history of Protestantism might interest none but Protestants; the history of the Reformation is for all Christians or rather all men.

Jean-Henri Merle d'Aubigné (1794 – 1872) was a Swiss Protestant minister and historian of the Reformation.