The Christian parent, therefore, has not fulfilled his whole duty to the child by having it baptized.  It is now the parents’ duty; or rather it should be considered the parents’ most blessed privilege to keep that child in covenant relationship with the blessed Redeemer.  This also belongs to the teaching of the Church of the Reformation.  This point, however, many parents seem to forget.  Many who are sound on the question of baptismal Grace, are very unsound as to a parent’s duty to the baptized child.

Hunnius, a recognized standard theologian of our Church, in speaking of the responsibility of those who present children for baptism says it is expected of them First, to answer, in behalf of the child, as to the faith in which it is baptized, and in which it is to be brought up. Second, to instruct the child when it comes to years of discretion, that it has been truly baptized, as Christ has commanded. Third, to pray for the child, that God may keep it in that Covenant of Grace, bless it in body and spirit, and finally save it with all true believers, and Fourth, to use all diligence that the child may grow up in that faith, which they have confessed in the child’s name, and thus be preserved from dangerous error and false doctrine.

That most delightful Lutheran theologian, Luthardt, says:  “Infant baptism is a comfort beyond any other, but it is also a responsibility beyond any other.”  Again:  “As Christians we know that God has bestowed upon our children not only natural, but spiritual gifts.  For our children have been baptized and received by baptism into the Covenant of Grace.  To preserve them in this baptismal Grace, to develop in them the life of God’s spirit, this is one side of Christian education.  To contend against sin in the child is the other.”  Dr. Schmid, in his Christian Ethics, also teaches that it is possible to continue in the uninterrupted enjoyment of baptismal Grace.  Dr. Pontoppidan, in his explanation of Luther’s Small Catechism, asks the question:  “Is it possible to keep one’s baptismal covenant?” He answers; “Yes, by the Grace of God it is possible.”

The teaching of our Church, therefore, is that the baptized child can grow up, a child of Grace from infancy, and that under God, it rests principally with the parents or guardians whether it shall be so.  And this Lutheran idea, like all others, is grounded in the Word of God.

We note a few examples:  Samuel was a child of prayer, given to his pious mother in answer to prayer.  She called him Samuel, i.e., asked of God.  Before his birth even, she dedicated him to God.  As soon as he was weaned she carried him to the Tabernacle and there publicly consecrated him to the service of the Most High.  From this time forth, according to the sacred record, he dwelt in God’s Tabernacle and “ministered unto the Lord before Eli”.  As a mere child God used him as a prophet.  Of the prophet