The institutions of Christian religion, written by the reverend father, M. John Calvin, compendiously…The institutions of Christian religion, written by the reuerend father, M. Iohn Caluin, compendiously…

8 Yet the iniquity and condemnation of us all, is not therefore sealed by the testimony of the law, to cast us down in desperation, and with discouraged minds to tumble down headlong (although the same be wrought in the reprobate) but that leaving the fond opinion of our own strength,¹ being naked and Empty, we may flee to the mercy of God. And how that may be done, that is to say, that we rest upon it, hide our selves in it, take hold of it alone in steed of righteousness & merits which is laid open in Christ for all men. For God in the commandments of the law, appeareth but a rewarder of perfect righteousness, whereof we all are destitute, & 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.

8 Yet the iniquitie and condemnation of vs all, is not therefore sealed by the testimonie of the lawe, to cast vs downe in desperation, and with discouraged mindes to tumble downe headlong (although the same be wrought in the reprobate) but that leauing the fond opinion of our own strength,¹ being naked and Emptie, wée may flee to the mercy of God. And howe that may be doone, that is to say, that we rest vppon it, hide our selues in it, take hold of it alone in stéed of righteousnes & merites which is laid open in Christ for al men. For God in the cōmandementes of the law, appeareth but a rewarder of perfect righteousnes, wherof we all are destitute, & on the other side, a rigorous iudge of euill doings. But in Christ his face shineth full of grace and lenitie euen toward the wretched and vnworthie sinners.

1. 1Rom. 3.19. Rom. 11.33.