STANZA 1
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.

STANZA 2
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.

STANZA 3
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.

STANZA 4
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.

STANZA 5
All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee,
whose Advent doth Thy people free;
whom with the Father we adore,
and Holy Ghost for evermore.

—Charles Coffin, 1736