In 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!

2 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.

3 But, lo! from yonder opening skies,

What beams of dazzling glory spread!

Dove-like the Holy Spirit flies,

And lights on the Redeemer’s head:

Amazed they see the power divine

Around the Saviour’s temples shine.

4 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-belovéd Son,

I see well-pleased what he hath done.”

5 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!