Institutions of Christian religion framed out of Gods word, and the writings of the best diuines, methodically handled by questions and answers, fit for all such as desire to know, or practise the will of God. Written in Latin by William Bucanus Professor of Diuinitie in the Vniuersitie of Lausanna. And published in English by Robert Hill, Bachelor in Diuinitie, and Fellow of Saint Iohns Colledge in Cambridge, for the benefit of our English nation, to which is added in the end the practise of papists against Protestant princes.

Seeing we doe owe vnto God the punishment of our sinnes, and are guiltie of euerlasting death, by which imputation are we discharged, by that that is reall, or by that that is free?

By that that is free, for seeing we are not able to pay the vt∣most farthing, to discharge our soules, it is certaine that we can indeed giue nothing vnto the Lord our God, but seeing his iustice must needs be satisfied, a surety came betweene vs, who for our cause paid the debr, and his payment was accompted as if we had paid it: that suretie is Christ, the merit of whose obedience and passion is no otherwise imputed vnto the beleeuers, then if it were inherent in themselues.

This is proued. I Because Christ hath giuen his life for the ran∣some of many: Math. 20.28. Besides, 2. Cor. 5.21. Him that knew no sinne God made sinne for vs, that we might be made the righ∣teousnes of God in him, for in regard he tooke vpon him our per∣son, he was made in our names as it were guiltie, and was iudg∣ged and accompted as a sinner, not for his owne faultes, but for ours, so we are righteous in him, not for our owne righ∣teousnesse, but for his. And therefore saith Augustine▪ Hee sinne, and wee righteousnesse, and not ours, but the righteousnesse of God, and not in vs, but in him: euen as he sinne, not his ovvne, but ours, nor in himselfe, but in vs; so therefore are vve the righteousnesse of GOD in him, as hee is sinne in vs,

namely by imputation. And Rom. 5.19. As by the disobedience of one man (Adam) many are made sinners, so by the obedience of one (Christ) many shall be made righteous. To this purpose is that excellent saying of Saint Augustine: He made our sinnes, his sinnes, that he might make his righteousnes our rigteousnes. For we being cloathed therewithall doe no otherwise come before the presence of God, and obtaine the right of Eternall life; then Iacob in old time being cloathed with the precious garments of his eldest bro∣ther Esau, comming vnto his father Isaacke,* 1.1 & being taken in the place of Esau, did obtaine the blessinga 1.2

Notes

• * 1.1

  August. in Enchirid. Cap. 41
• a 1.2

  Ge••▪ 27.12