Sir,-1 wondes if these texts have been overlooked in the Downside Review article mentioned in the Caorstoeic Wieser) of 10 December: surely the two most pertinent texts are: (1) (God Our Saviour) will have all men to be saved.
(2) (Christ Jesus) who gave himself a ransom for all.
I Tim, II. 4 and 6.
It follows from these texts that no one can be "unsaved" that is. excluded from heaven. unless he freely rejects the salvation offered by God. and this certainly infants do not do Nor is it difficult to believe that if God preserved Our Lady exempt from all stain of original sin in the first instant of her conception, and sanctified St. John the Baptist in his mother's womb, He in his infinite mercy sanctifies unbaptised infants at the moment of their death. Such a belief. based as it is on scriptural warrant, can hardly be called " sentimental."
There is no need to suppose " illumination of the soul" and " giving a chance of baptism by desire": it sounds to me somewhat far fetched.
If the above appears unconvincing to those theologians who speak of " limbo " and " natural happiness." I should be glad to have their answer.
1117 King Edward Road Officers' New Delhi, India.