Hence Paul says: Be not children in understanding; howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. For, faith cannot be comprehended without understanding, even as Paul says to the Hebrews: Faith is a sure confidence of things hoped for, and conforms itself to things not seen; so that faith has such a power in itself, that it always conforms to heavenly things, and seeks those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
That children do not have such faith, experience and the holy Scriptures teach, though some say: God can easily give children this faith. So say I; and not only faith, but also understanding, by which faith is comprehended; yea, even language to confess it; but what sort of faith children have, they show by their life and fruits. But though God is almighty, and does according to his will, which none can resist, he nevertheless observes order in all his works, according to his pleasure. Hence, let every one see well to it, that he do not prescribe to God according to his own opinion; for he has made all things well. To him be eternal praise and honor. Amen.
Since these are the most important passages[214] with which it is sought to prove infant baptism, I have, in my weakness and simplicity, answered them. But that you, my noble sirs, may not become weary of my long writing, I will conclude; nevertheless, if my noble sirs desire a fuller answer, I am willing and ready to answer, as much as lies in my power. May God give his grace to us all. Amen. Your humble servant,
[214] Understand, those which were the most important in his time; for afterwards many others were, to the detriment of truth, imagined in addition to them.