Words: , Paris Breviary, 1736 (Jordanis oras praevia). Stanzas 1-3 translated from Latin to English by , Hymns of the Primitive Church, 1837; stanzas 4-5 translator unknown.
Music: Winchester New, Musikalisches Handbuch (Hamburg, Germany: 1690); harmonized by , 1847, alt.. Alternate tune:
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 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 our souls must fade
And wither like a flower decayed.
Stretch forth Thine hand, to heal our sore,
And make us rise and fall no more;
Once more upon Thy people shine,
And fill the world with love divine.
To Him Who left the throne of Heaven
To save mankind, all praise be given;
Like praise be to the Father done,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One.