Young Christian's first lesson-book/Lesson Seventeen

by Philip Doddridge

LESSON XVII.

Of the Deſign and Obligation of Baptiſm.

IN Baptiſm waſh'd we all muſt be,
In honour of the ſacred Three.
To ſhew how we are waſh'd from ſin
In Jeſus' blood, and born again
By grace divine—and thus are made
Members of Chriſt, our common head.

⁠The Father form'd the glorious ſcheme,
And we adopted are by him.

⁠The Son, great prophet prieſt, and king
Did news of this redemption bring:
He by his death our life procur'd,
And now beſtows it as our Lord.

⁠The holy Spirit witneſs bore
To this bleſt goſpel heretofore:
And teaches thoſe he's purify'd
Faithful and patient to abide.

⁠Into theſe names was I baptiz'd;
And be the honour juſtly priz'd:
Nor let the ſacred bond be broke,
Nor be my covenant. God forſook.
Thus waſh'd, I'd keep my garments clean,
And never more return to ſin.
One body now all Chriſtian, are:
On! may they in one ſpirit ſhare!

And cheriſh that endearing love,
In which the ſaints are bleſs'd above!