On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry

Announces that the Lord is nigh;

Come then and hearken, for he brings

Glad tidings from the King of kings.

Then cleans’d be every breast from sin;

Make straight the way for God within;

Prepare we in our hearts a home,

Where such a mighty Guest may come.

For Thou art our salvation, Lord,

Our refuge, and our great reward;

Without thy grace we waste away,

Like flow'rs that wither and decay.

Stretch forth thine hand, to heal our sore,

And make us rise to fall no more;

Once more upon thy people shine,

And fill the world with love divine.

All praise, eternal Son, to thee

Whose advent sets thy people free,

Whom with the Father we adore.

And Holy Ghost, for evermore.