OUR LITTLE ONES IN HEAVEN. Why we Believe in Infant Salvation.* AT the outset, it must be admitted that the teachings of the Bible, in regard to the condition of those who die in infancy, are dim and uncertain. For wise ends, we doubt not, God has seen fit to give us no clear and direct revelation on this point, but has left us to settle the question by the slow and laborious process of inference and reason. Nor shall we be surprised at *The following article, which is intended to give a general view of the grounds on which the Protestant Church has come to a common and united belief in the salvation of those who die in infancy, is compiled mainly from a sermon by Rev. Dr. Cumming, of London. The argument is an abridgment of the views of Rev. Dr. Russell, of Dundee, who, in 1823, published an "Essay on the Salvation of all Dying in Infancy," which is said to be one of the most full and satisfactory works ever written on this subject. this, when we consider that the word of God is addressed only to intelligent and accountable beings—that it is eminently a practical book — and that infants, dying such, come not under its proclamation of duty, are not affected by its overtures of mercy, and therefore may not claim any special interest in its revelations. And yet it is universally admitted that so far as the Scriptures do cast any light upon this subject, it is the light of encouragement and hope. The Argument from Infant Resurrection. It will be admitted by all, that the bodies of infants will be raised at the resurrection morn. The language of Scripture is explicit "I saw the dead, small and great," (that is, infants and adults) "stand before God;" "and the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them;" and " ALL that are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of Man, and shall come forth." We must include in this mighty assemblage numbers of infants as well as adults. To this the apostle seems to allude, when he says, every one shall be raised "in his own order." The literal translation is, "in his own class;" infants in their class, adults in their class, males in their |