This Child We Dedicate To Thee

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.

o may thy spirit gently draw
its willing soul to keep thy law;
may virtue, piety, and truth,
dawn even with its dawning youth!

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.

grant that, with true and faithful heart,
we still may act the christian’s part,
cheered by each promise thou hast giv’n,
and laboring for the prize in heav’n.