An abridgement of the Institution of Christian religion written

9 Furthermore, though this office of the law do properly appertain unto the faithful,¹ that being convict of their own infirmity, they may seek medicine in Christ: yet it shall be common to the wicked also, that they may be made without excuse before God.

9 Furthermore, though this office of the law do properlie appertaine vnto the faithfull,¹ that beeing conuict of their owne infirmitie, they may seek medicine in Christ: yet it shall be common to the wicked also, that they may be made without excuse before God.

1. 1The use of the law toward the wicked.The vse of the law toward the wicked.

10 The second office of the law, is, that they which are touched with no care of that which is just and right, unless they be enforced, may, when they hear the sharp threatenings in it, be compelled at least with fear of punishment, as with a bridle to hold their hands,¹ that they pour not out wantonly their frowardness: yea such schooling is not unprofitable even for the children of God, so long as they wax wanton through the folly of their flesh, before calling, being destitute of the spirit of ⟨p. 91⟩sanctification.

10 The seconde office of the lawe, is, that they which are touched with no care of that which is iust and right, vnlesse they be inforced, may, when they heare the sharp threatnings in it, be compelled at least with feare of punishment, as with a bridle to hold their hands,