1
Salem’s bright King, Jesus by name,
In ancient times to Jordan came
All righteousness to fill;
’Twas there the ancient prophet stood,
Whose name was John, a man of God,
To do his Master’s will.
2
The holy Jesus did demand
His right to be baptized then,
The prophet gave consent;
On Jordan’s banks they did appear,
And lo, John and his Master dear,
Then down the bank they went.
3
Down in old Jordan’s rolling stream;
The prophet led the holy Lamb,
And there did him baptize:
Jehovah saw his darling Son,
And was well pleas’d in what he’d done,
And own’d him from the skies.
4
The opening heaven now complies,
The Holy Ghost like lightning flies,
Down from the courts above:
And on the holy heavenly Lamb,
The Spirit lights and does remain,
In shape like a fair dove.
5
This is my Son, Jehovah cries,
The echoing voice from glory flies,
O, children, hear ye him;
Hark! ’tis his voice, behold he cries,
Repent, believe, and be baptiz’d,
And wash away your sin.
6
Come, children, come, his voice obey,
Salem’s bright King has mark’d the way,
And has a crown prepar’d;
O then arise and give consent,
Walk in the way that Jesus went,
And have the great reward.
7
Believing children gather round,
And let your joyful songs abound,
With cheerful hearts arise;
See, here is water, here is room,
A loving Savior calling, come,
O children, be baptiz’d.
8
Behold, his servant waiting stands,
With willing heart and ready hands
To wait upon the Bride;
Ye candidates your hearts prepare,
And let us join in solemn prayer,
Down by the water side.