This child from God above

This child from God above. Timothy Dudley-Smith* (1926-2024). As a contribution to the texts available for the baptism of a child, some of the older approaches to which now seem dated and are rarely sung, these words offer a four-verse Short Metre hymn of profound simplicity. It was written at Ruan Minor, Cornwall, in April 1974; in the author’s words it ‘reflects the view that (as with circumcision, the sign of the old covenant), baptism with water in the threefold Name is the appointed means whereby a child of believing parents receives the sign of the new covenant, carrying with it obligations to discipleship, obedience, witness and membership of Christ’s church’ (A House of Praise,...