I agree wholeheartedly. Not only is this very readable, but being from the French 1539 edition it eschews some of the later polemics. I think the “essentials” label they give it unfortunately might make you think it is abridged. It is a full translation of the earlier edition. I love it.

Here is the first debate between Martin Salter and David Gibson on whether baptism replaces circumcision:

Martin Salter: http://themelios.thegospelcoalition.org/article/does-baptism-replace-circumcision-an-examination-of-the-relationship-betwee

Gibson: http://themelios.thegospelcoalition.org/article/sacramental-supersessionism-revisited-a-response-to-martin-salter-on-the-re

Below is the next exchange they had on the function of Abraham in a credo vs paedobaptist covenant theology. They are centering in on who are the children of Abraham.

Martin Salter: http://themelios.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-abrahamic-covenant-in-reformed-baptist-perspective

Gibson: http://themelios.thegospelcoalition.org/article/fathers-of-faith-my-fathers-now-on-abraham-covenant-theology-paedobaptism

Here goes the audio debate they had on who are the children of Abraham: http://johnowencentre.org/sites/default/files/audio/%287%29%20David%20Gibson%20and%20Martin%20Salter.mp3

I thought that these were some of the most helpful articles that I have read recently on baptism. I would love if you guys brought Dr. Gibson on to talk about these issues, especially the biblical theology of the children of Abraham. I have recently come into the OPC and I love being here. However, I’m still a credobaptist and its this issue of the identity of the children of Abraham that keeps me from embracing paedobaptism. I would love your help on this. I think that a discussion with Dr. Gibson would be a very encouraging and helpful episode to all of us.

Thank you all so much for everything you guys do. I thank the Lord for you and am praying for you.

Sincerely,

Matthew

Most of us are in ‘how’ moments: how do I keep my preaching fresh, how should I present my faith to co-workers? Other faiths address this issue by preparing their faithful to go door-to-door, or stand on street corners … prepared to engage, not only with literature and script, but also with courage and confidence.

How do we teach courage for the furtherance of the gospel? Today, too many of us when confronted by the ‘faithful’ above simply react with, “I go to a different church” (or something equally weak as a witness). How then can CTC help fill this void in our Reformed capabilities?

http://www.wtsbooks.com/institutes-of-the-christian-religion-calvins-own-essential-edition-a-new-translation-of-the-1541-edition-john-calvin-9781848714632