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L. M. 6 lines.
His baptism.
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!
Rippon’s Coll.