Scripture References:
st. 1 = Col. 2:11-13
st. 2 = Mark 10:13-16
A prayer asking for God's covenant faithfulness on the children we baptize, this song is adapted from a baptism text written by Thomas Haweis (b. Redruth, Cornwall, England, 1734; d. Bath, England, 1820) and published in the enlarged edition of his Carmina Christo (1808). The Psalter Hymnal Revision Committee made some significant changes in the text to express more modern Reformed theological ideas about baptism.
Initially apprenticed to a surgeon and pharmacist, Haweis decided to study for the ministry at Oxford and was ordained in the Church of England in 1757. He served as curate of St. Mary Magdalen Church, Oxford, but was removed by the bishop from that position because of his Methodist leanings. He also was an assistant to Martin Madan at Locke Hospital, London. In 1764 he became rector of All Saints Church in Aldwinkle, Northamptonshire, and later served as administrator at Trevecca College, Wales, a school founded by the Countess of Huntingdon, whom Haweis served as chaplain. After completing advanced studies at Cambridge, he published a Bible commentary and a volume on church history. Haweis was strongly interested in missions and helped to found the London Mission Society. His hymn texts and tunes were published in Carmino Christo, or Hymns to the Savior (1792, expanded 1808).
Liturgical Use:
Infant baptism.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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