74. Salvation of Departed Infants

Matthew 18:1‑11  •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 10
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“J. A. F.,” Trowbridge. We have, in a former number of this Magazine, given expression to our decided conviction as to the salvation of all who die in infancy. We consider Matthew 18:1-111At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! 8Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 11For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. (Matthew 18:1‑11) perfectly conclusive on this most interesting question. With regard to a Christian parent’s teaching his children to pray, we believe that if the children of Christians are properly trained—if they are brought up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,” they will feel it to be their happy privilege to wait on God in prayer, without being exactly taught to pray. The Spirit alone can teach any one, old or young, to pray. We must beware of making our children formalists. We should seek to cast them upon God for spiritual power and intelligence.