On Jordan's Bank

On Jordan's bank the Baptist's 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.

(Alternate version:

Oh, let us all our hearts prepare.

for Christ to come and enter there.)

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.

 

Taken from original chant, Jordanis oras praevia. Adapted by Charles Coffin (d. 1749); Translator: John Chandler (d. 1876)