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.

What is the end of Sacraments?

1 The first and most principall, which doth good vnto the consciences in respect of God, that they should bee not onely figures, Emblemes, manifest resemblances and pictures,a 1.1, or looking glasses and signes which should declare, and as it were paint before our eyes, and teach what Iesus Christ hath perfor∣med,

and doth performe for vs: but also that they might be seales and pledges of Gods promise imbraced by faith, or of the righteousnesse which is of faith, or of our incorporation, o•• communion with Christ: therefore they are confirmati∣ons of our faith.b 1.2 1. Corinth. 10.16. As many of vs as bee baptised, wee are baptised vnto his death: the breade which we breake, &c.

2 The subordinate ends, in respect of vs 1. That they might be signs of confession, and badges of the profession of true religion, wherby we might be discerned from other sectes, as souldiers are discerned by their militarie liueries. 2. That they might preserue the memorie of the benefits of Christ. Ex. 12.1••. This day shall be vnto you for a remembrance. And 13.9. It shall be a signe in thy hand, and as a thing hanged vp for remembrance betweene thine eyes, Luke 22.19. Do this in remembrance of me. 3 That they might be testifyca¦tions of our thankfulnesse. 4 To be admonitions of our dutie toward God, when as thereby we do openly professe, wee desire to be accounted among the people of God, and that we desire to worship the true God alone, who hath reuealed himselfe to his people, as well in his vndoubted word written by his Prophets and Apostles, as also by these Sacraments, and doe binde our selues to him, vnto the studie of obedience, pietie, and innonen∣cie. 5 That they might be as sinewes of publicke assemblies, and of the communion of the Church: lastly to be the bands of mu∣tuall loue and concord, betweene the members of the Church vnder one head Christd 1.3. Which ends are comprehended in the other part of the Couenant.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Gal. 3.
• b 1.2

  Rom. 6.3 Gal. 3.24
• d 1.3

  Act. 10.45 1 Cor. 10.7 Eph. 4.5