"The Reformed principle is that the acceptable way of worshipping God is instituted by himself, and so limited by his revealed will that he may not be worshipped in any other way than that prescribed in the Holy Scripture, that what is not commanded is forbidden. This is in contrast with the view that what is not forbidden is permitted." Collected Writings, I.167-68.
The alternative was held by Arminius.
Calvin is the context in which I've heard it used as well. The Puritans used it to develop their doctrine of the regulative principle of worship.