2. This flood, to cleanse sin’s leprosy, Mere earthly water cannot be; But water and God’s gracious Word Conjoined, this saving bath afford. 3. “Go ye,” says Christ, “My Word proclaim, Baptize the nations in God’s name; All who are baptized and believe My full salvation shall receive.” 4. God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, To be baptized invites the host; He will be present, though unseen, From all their sins to wash them clean. 5. So, too, by our repentance, must The old man, with his sins and lust, Be daily drowned and then arise A new man, righteous, pure, and wise. 6. That by the water and the Word We’re born again, we thank Thee, Lord. In life and death Thine let us be And Thine in all eternity. N. Selnecker, 1572; C. H. L. Schuette, tr., 1880. 404 L. M. This child we dedicate to Thee, O God of grace and purity! Shield it from sin and threatening wrong And let Thy love its life prolong. 2. Oh, may Thy Spirit gently draw Its willing soul to keep Thy Law! May virtue, piety, and truth Dawn even with its dawning youth! 3. We, too, before Thy gracious sight, Once shared the blest baptismal rite And would renew its solemn vow With love and thanks and praises now. 4. Grant that with true and faithful heart We still may act the Christian’s part, Cheered by each promise Thou hast given And laboring for the prize in heaven. From the German. S. Gilman, tr., 1823. 405 10, 6, 10, 6, 8, 8, 4 Father of heaven, who hast created all And rulest all, we pray, Look on this babe, who at Thy gracious call Now enters on life’s way. Oh, make it Thine; Thy blessing give, That to Thy glory it may live, Father of heav’n! 2. O Son of God, atoning Lord, behold, We bring this babe to Thee: Take it, O loving Shepherd, to Thy fold, Forever Thine to be; Defend it through this earthly strife And lead it on the path of life, O Son of God! 3. O Holy Ghost, who broodest o’er the wave, Descend upon this child; Give it undying life, its spirit lave With waters undefiled, And make it evermore to be An heir of bliss, a shrine for Thee, O Holy Ghost! 4. O Triune God, what Thou hast willed is done; We speak, but Thine the might. This babe hath hardly seen our earthly sun, Yet on it pour Thy light Of faith and hope and joyful love, Thou Sun of all below, above, O Triune God! A. Knapp, 1841; C. Winkworth, tr., 1858. 406 S. M.