We
commend it now to you. What consolation to the bereaved parents is the
assurance that all infants are saved! This gives them "beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of
heaviness." Your infant has gone to heaven; for "of such is the kingdom of
heaven." Zuinlius was perhaps the first who proclaimed salvation for all
who died in infancy. He based this doctrine, so comforting to the afflicted
parent, upon the atonement of Christ for all; and he believed that Christ
made provision for infants in this general atonement or redemption of human
nature. This is the general belief now. Calvin declared that "God adopts
infants and washes them in the blood of his son," and that "they are
regarded by Christ as among His flock." Dr. Junkin says, "It is not
inconsistent with any doctrine of the bible, that the souls of deceased
infants go to heaven." Newton says, "I hope you are both well reconciled to
the death of your child. Indeed, I cannot be sorry for the death of
infants. How many storms do they escape! Nor can I doubt, in my private
judgment, that they are included in the election of grace." This is the
opinion, too, of all evangelical branches of the Christian church. If so,
you have here a source of great consolation.
"Though it he hard to bid thy heart divide,
And lay the gem of all thy love aside--
Faith tells thee, and it tells thee not in vain,
That thou shalt meet thy infant yet again.
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