R.precisely what his views were of the relation of baptized children to the church.

"Let us see," he said, "how far we are agreed as to the actual nature of this relation." "Well, then," said Mr.R., "I will begin with this: "_They are the children of God's friends_.

We all know how God reminds Israel of their relation to Abraham, his friend, tells them they are beloved for the fathers' sakes, and he remembers his covenant with those friends of his, their fathers, when provoked by the children's sins.
Toward the child of one who loves God (not merely a church-member, but a friend of God), I suppose there are affections on the part of God, of which our own feelings toward the child of a dear Christian friend are a representation.

This love to the child of his friend, I always thought, is the great element in that arrangement of the Most High which we call the Abrahamic covenant; for he who made us, knew how much a love for our children, on the part of others, draws us together, and what bonds are constituted and strengthened between men through their children; and that one great means of promoting love to Him would be, his manifesting special love and care for the offspring of those who love him.

God has a people, friends; and the children of such are the children of his dearly-beloved friends.