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

In the second place, There are some who understand this holiness of inward true inherent purity; so that their judgement is, that the Apostle saith, all godly parents have holy children, and if it fall out otherwise in some cases, they say, it's an indefinite, not an universal proposition, which if it be true, for the most part, it is enough; but experience seemeth to confute this; Neither is believer here taken strictly, for one who did in a saving way believe, but largely for one that did profess faith in Christ, and therefore is opposite to an Infidel; Now all that were not Infidels, were not presently, truly godly, though they did believe, as some are said, Joh. 2. To whom yet Christ would not commit himself.

3. Therefore there are those, who understand this of Heathenish uncleanness and Idolatry, and so they say, One born of believing Parents, is free from that, especially, if we do regard the hopes that are in his education: Therefore some expound this holiness only in respect of the designing and dedicating of such unto real holiness. Hence Estius he understands this, De filiis adultu, of children grown up; For it may be supposed, That if the unbelieving husband will not leave his wife, but abide with her, that therefore he will yield to her, and let her educate her children in the faith of Christ, and be no enemy, or opposer, thereunto; and 1 Pet. 1. 3. is brought to expound this place; so that they make this holiness to be only quoad spem, and disciplinam; For the believer may by an holy godly life, gain both the unbeliever and the children; and thus Hierom is said to answer a Question proposed by Paulinus, concerning this place; Lapide consents to this, and opposeth Calvin and Beza concerning this federal holiness, as also Tirinus on the place, because the Church is not like a civil Commonwealth, but is a supernatural Society, saith Lapide; This is no Reason; for though it be a supernatural Society, yet God may give what spiritual privileges he pleaseth to them and theirs; and therefore Salmeron, he understands this holiness of a Church-holiness, that they are esteemed children of that; And in his Comment on that place, brings that Promise, which the Calvinists use to do, I will be thy God, and the God of thy seed.