- On Jordan's bank the Baptists cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Awake and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings of the King of kings.
- Then cleansed 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 flowers that wither and decay.
- To heal the sick stretch out thine hand,
And bid the fallen sinner stand;
Shine forth and let thy light restore
Earth's own true loveliness once more.
- All praise, eternal Son, to thee,
Whose advent doth thy people free;
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Ghost for evermore. Amen.