Hymnal: The Christian Hymn Book
Date: 1865
Compiler: Alexander Campbell
Publisher/Printer: Central Book Concern
First Line: In Jordan's tide the Baptist stands
Topic: Christ/Life and Ministry
Writer: <no first name given> Rippon's Collection
Composer:
Meter: LM six lines
Tune:
Hymn Number: 142
Page Number: 088, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsIn Jordan's tide the Baptist stands,
Immersing the repenting Jews;
The Son of God the rite demands,
Nor dares the holy man refuse:
Jesus descends beneath the wave,
The emblem of his future grave!
Wonder, ye heavens! your Maker lies
In deeps concealed from human view;
Ye saints, behold him sink and rise;
A fit example this for you:
The sacred record, while you read,
Calls you to imitate the deed.
But, lo! from yonder op'ning skies,
What beams of dazzling glory spread!
Dove-like the Holy Spirit flies,
And lights on the Redeemer's head:
Amaz'd they see the power divine
Around the Saviour's temples shine.
But, hark! my soul, hark, and adore!
What sounds are those that roll along
Not loud, like Sinai's awful roar;
But soft and sweet as Gabriel's song:
"This is my well-beloved Son,
I see well-pleased what he hath done."
Thus the eternal Father spoke,
Who shakes creation with a nod,
Through parting skies the accents broke,
And bid us hear the Son of God
O hear the awful word to-day;
Hear, all ye nations, and obey!