HOW CAN A CHILD BE SAVED? 175 



taken suppositions, than the inattention to their 

 religious life which widely prevails. But while 

 we refrain from denunciation of what may be a 

 mistake, may we not inquire, Is there not a better 

 way, based upon truer psychology and purer 

 doctrine? 



That better way for the child that lives to 

 grow up, we will consider when we come to speak 

 of the " Birth from Above." But what shall we 

 say concerning those who do not live to grow up! 



One of the answers is, Baptize them : this will 

 cure the sin of their nature and admit them into 

 heaven. We have already paid our respects to 

 that teaching. It is a belated doctrine proceeding 

 out of the night of superstition. We need add 

 no more.* 



Another answer is : God cuts short the work in 

 righteousness ; sanctifies them, and takes them to 

 heaven. We confess ourselves unable to put any 

 meaning into these words. Can it mean that 

 God accelerates the mental and moral develop- 



* The following is from a sermon preached apparently only thirteen years ago, 

 published in the Homiletic Review. I will not name the preacher, but it will show that 

 I have not misstated the position that was held by orthodox preachers no longer ago 

 than that. To my ear it sounds from very far away. I do not remember to have heard 

 anything like it recently. 



"By nature they (children) are in Adam, and not in Christ; they are the children 

 of the world, and not of God. It is a divine transaction (by which they are made par- 

 takers of life) a new life is given in holy baptism. That which is born of the flesh must 

 be 'born again of water and the Spirit.' What has been promised to parents and their 

 seed by the Holy Ghost shall be actually conferred. It is called the 'washing of regen- 

 eration." With this infants have no more to do than with their natural generation. 

 That is an act of God in His own appointed way, and the life thus commenced underlies 

 and precedes all consciousness, all thought, faith, hope, and charity. Children may 

 regain in Jesus Christ all they lost in Adam. Those who are baptized into Christ have put 

 on Christ, and if afterwards they change their relation to God it must be by departing 

 from Him." 



