The Institution of Christian Religion

And whereas the iniquity and condemnation of us all is sealed by ⟨image 121⟩§8the testimony of the law, it is not done for this purpose (if at least we well profit in it) to make us fall down with despair, or with discouraged minds to tumble down headlong. In deed the reprobate are amazed after that manner, butte that is by reason of their obstinacy, but with the children of God, there behoveth to be an other end of instruction. I grant,¹ the Apostle testifieth that we are all condemned by judgement of the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and that all the world may become bound unto God: but yet the same Apostle in an other place teacheth,² that God hath concluded all under unbelief, not to destroy all, or to suffer all to perish, butte that he might have mercy of all, that leaving the foolish opinion of their own strength, they might understand, that they stand & are upholden by the only hand of God: that they being naked and empty, may flee to his mercy, that they may rest them selves wholly upon it, hide them selves wholly in it, take hold of it alone in stead of righteousness and merits, which is laid open in Christ for all men, who soever they be that with true faith do desire and look for it. For God in the commandments of the law appeareth butte a rewarder of perfect righteousness, whereof we all are destitute, and on the other side a rigorous judge of evil doings. But in Christ his face shineth full of grace and lenity, even toward the wretched and unworthy sinners.

And whereas the iniquitie and condemnation of vs all is sealed by ⟨image 121⟩§8the testimonie of the lawe, it is not done for thys purpose (if at leaste we well profyte in it) to make vs fall downe with despere, or with discouraged mindes to tumble down hedlong. In deede the reprobate are amased after that manner, butte that ys by reason of theyr obstinatie, but with the chyldren of God, there behoueth to be an other ende of instruction. I graunte,¹