Samuel Rutherford on infants and conditions

Samuel Rutherford was one of five theologians sent by the Church of Scotland to attend the Westminster assembly as "Commissioners" (Curt Daniel, The History and Theology of Calvinism, p. 49). Rutherford believed in the damnable doctrine of salvation conditioned on the sinner's efforts.  Says Curt Daniel concerning the leading Westminster Divines:

"This was one of the most august bodies of theologians in the history of the Church. Rutherford, Gillespie, Henderson and Baillie were the cream of the Scottish churchmen of the century. Rutherford in particular had a powerful influence at Westminster, and as a team the Scottish delegation had more influence than any other single group of like size" (Curt Daniel, The History and Theology of Calvinism, p. 50).


"2. It is false that the promise is made only to the aged, upon  condition of actual believing. 1. It is made to their children expressly in the text, and for the way of their believing, we leave it to the Lord. Nor is it true, that the promise is made to the aged, upon condition of believing. The promise is made to them absolutely, whether they believe or not. But the blessing of the promise and covenant of grace is given and bestowed only conditionally -- if they believe. The promise is absolutely made: [it is] called conditional from the thing conditionally given." (Samuel Rutherford, The Covenant of Life Opened)