The initiative to translate the three volumes of De gemeene gratie (see 1902.13, 1903.13, 1905.08 and 1905.21) was taken by the Abraham Kuyper Translation Society (see p. 247) along with Acton Institute and Kuyper College at Grand Rapids and supported by Calvin College, Fuller Theological Seminary, Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and the Andreas Center for Reformed Scholarship and Service at Dordt College.

Acoording to the plan the complete translation of De gemeene gratie. Eerste deel. Het Geschiedkundig gedeelte. will be published in three parts. In volume I.1, I.2 and I.3 the author traces his historical argument. Richard J. Mouw, emeritus professor of faith and public life at Fuller Theological Seminary, wrote the introduction, A comprehensive Theology of “Commonness” (pp. XIX–XXX).

The translation of Kuyper’s Foreword of August 1, 1902 is also included in a prospectus (2011, [8] pp.) of the Abraham Kuyper Translation Society.

The translation of the foreword of Augustus 1, 1902 has been published also as an introductory preview in an illustrated brochure (2011, pp. 4-7) for the Abraham Kuyper translation project Common Grace.

To the original nine footnotes in part 1 the editors added about 120 footnotes largely by completing the author’s notes, by dropping in-text citations to footnotes, and by adding some necessary information e.g. concerning the context. Also in this way the readability and accessibility of the translation was served for the benefit of the researcher as well as the interested laic.

The Appendix (pp. [239]–241] is a translation of a passage from De gemeene gratie, vol. 3.20.8, in which Kuyper deals with a question that was repeatedly addressed to him: Why do you always speak about “common” grace and not about “universal” favor or grace? See also 1902.13.

“Common grace, as Kuper conceived it, was a theology of public responsability and cultural engagement, rooted in Christians’ shared humanity with the rest of the world” (p. [XI]).

For reasons of accessibility, lay out and format, the translation of the three Dutch volumes of De gemeene gratie. (± 1775 pp.; 1905.21 included, and already translated, see 2011.02) will be realized in nine physical books. Finally a comprehensive index volume is scheduled to complete the set.