On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry\nAnnounces that the Lord is nigh;\nCome then and hearken, for he brings\nGlad tidings from the King of kings.\n49\n2. Then cleansed be every Christian breast,\nAnd furnished for so great a guest!\nYea, let us each our hearts prepare\nFor Christ to come and enter there.\n3. For thou at our salvation, Lord,\nOur refuge and our great reward;\nWithout thy grace our souls must fade,\nAnd wither like a flower decayed.\n4. Stretch forth thy hand, to heal our sore,\nAnd make us rise to fall no more;\nOnce more upon thy people shine,\nAnd fill the world with love divine.\n5. All praise, eternal Son, to thee\nWhose advent sets thy people free,\nWhom, with the Father, we adore,\nAnd Holy Ghost, for evermore.