"Few today realize the extent to which John Calvin, the great Genevan reformer, and his work have shaped modern culture. Few know that it was John Calvin who pioneered the effort to decentralize government by calling for checks and balances against the rule of the few or the king. Equally unknown are his efforts to establish a productive social safety-net for immigrants, create educational models that were far ahead of his time, and instill a sense of self-worth in all citizens (regardless of their occupations or class). He was also known for his support of free markets, the rise of private enterprise, and the advancement of publishing and knowledge beyond its medieval confines. The result of his efforts was an explosion of culture and liberty, a story that often is lost or ignored in the rush to offer criticism of the man. A Heart Promptly Offered presents the basic story of Calvin's life, along with numerous excerpts from his own pen - writings from his letters, commentaries, and sermons. In addition to summarizing the main topics of Calvin's Institutes, it lays out his ground-breaking political theory."

A heart promptly offered : the revolutionary leadership of John Calvin