A treatise of original sin ... proving that it is

Secondly, We are to know that those, who hold some Infants dying in their original sin to be damned, do yet acknowledge that it is (as Austin calleth it) mitissima omnium poena, the mildest of all punishments, because they have no actual sins joined with their original, to increase the torments of hell. It is true, we told you original sin in the nature of it is very great and heinous, even so great, that none are able to express the loathsomeness thereof; yet because it hath this diminishing circumstance, that it is not voluntary personally in an Infant, therefore we may conclude, that they have lesser torments in hell, then Adult persons. For that there are degrees of torments in hell, some punished more extremely then others, is acknowledged by all, though some learned men question, whether there be any degrees of glory in heaven.

Secondly, We are to know that those, who hold some Infants dying in their original sinne to be damned, do yet acknowledge that it is (as Austin calleth it) mitissima omnium poena, the mildest of all punishments, because they have no actual sinnes joyned with their original, to encrease the torments of hell. It is true, we told you original sinne in the nature of it is very great and hainous, even so great, that none are able to express the loathsomness thereof; yet because it hath this diminishing circumstance, that it is not voluntary personally in an Infant, therefore we may conclude, that they have lesser torments in hell, then Adult persons. For that there are degrees of torments in hell, some punished more extreamly then others, is acknowledged by all, though some learned men question, whether there be any degrees of glory in heaven.

Thirdly, As for the Doctrine of the learned about the state of Infants dying in their Infancy, there are several opinions; Some hold that all Infants dying so, whether in the Church, or out of the Church, whether of believing, or unbelieving parents, are saved. They think this opinion doth most suit with the goodness and mercy of God: of this opinion are not only the Heterodox Doctors, but even learned Junius in his answer to Puccius; Zuinglius also is alleged for this. Others they make a distinction of Infants dying in their Infancy. For either they die without Baptism, or with Baptism; if without Baptism, then they conclude of their damnation; and in this rigid way Austin went, and many follow him; yea Austin thought, that if they died without the Sacrament of the Lords Supper also: for at that age it was generally held that both the Sacraments were necessary to salvation, and therefore both to be applied to Infants: