ON JORDAN'S BANK

TEXT: Jordanis oras praevia; Charles Coffin, 1676-1749; Trans. By John Chandler, 1806-1876
MUSIC: adapt. from Musikalisches Handbuch, Hamburg, 1690
TUNE: WINCHESTER NEW
METER: LM (Long Meter: 88 88)

A Latin hymn first published in Charles Coffin’s “Hymni Sacri” in 1736, it was to be sung at Lauds (Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours of the Church). The German melody from Hamburg has been used in English worship since 1742.

Austin Lovelace writes in his book “Hymn Notes for Church Bulletins:”

“When Chandler translated the hymn from Latin he thought that it was a medieval work, but it was by a distinguished French scholar of the 18th century who wrote more than 100 hymns in Latin (Charles Coffin). Its theme is John the Baptist’s announcement of Christ’s advent and his call to the people of Israel to repent and prepare for His coming.”


1. On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Awake and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings of the King of Kings.

2. Then cleansed be every heart from sin;
Make straight the way of God within,
And let each heart prepare a home
Where such a mighty guest may come.

3. For you are our salvation Lord,
Our refuge, and our great reward;
Without your grace we waste away
Like flow’rs that wither and decay.

4. To heal the sick stretch out your hand,
And bid the fallen sinner stand;
Shine forth, and let your light restore
Earth’s own true loveliness once more.

5. All praise the Son eternally,
Whose advent sets his people free;
Whom with the Father we adore
And Spirit blest for evermore.