He said,
John 1:23I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord.
Words: Charles Coffin, Hymni Sacri, 1736 (Jordanis oras praevia). Stanzas 1–3 translated from Latin to English by John Chandler, Hymns of the Primitive Church, 1837. Stanzas 4–5: translator unknown.
Music: Winchester New Musikalisches Handbuch (Hamburg, Germany: 1690). Harmony by William H. Monk, 1847, alt. (🔊 pdf nwc).
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.