On Jordan's bank

On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Awake and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings from the King of kings!

Then cleansed be every Christian breast,
And furnished for so great a Guest.
Yea, let us each our hearts prepare
For Christ to come and enter there.

For Thou art our Salvation, Lord,
Our Refuge, and our great Reward.
Without Thy grace we waste away
Like flowers that wither and decay.

All praise, eternal Son, to thee,
whose advent doth thy people free;
whom with the Father we adore
and Holy Ghost for evermore.

Choir: The Choir of Wells Cathedral,
under the direction of Malcolm Archer
Music: from Piae Cantiones
Words: Prudentius, Translation: J M Neale