These words may shock many, but they are the words of John Calvin and they clearly show that Calvin believed in and taught what has come to be known as the free offer of the gospel.

For example, Calvin writes, "So wonderful is his love towards mankind, that he would have them all to be saved..." (Calvin's Commentary on 2 Peter 3:9).

Appended is the article: "Faith's Encouragement; or, the Gospel Hearer's Right to and Interest in Christ Before Believing, A Great Encouragement, and the Only Encouragement to Believe" by "D." (1863).

Excerpted from the Original Covenanter and Contending Witness magazine (volumes 2:11; 3:22; 4:3).