GOSPEL >> BAPTISM
SDAH 333
On Jordan’s banks the Baptist’s cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Awake and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings of the King of kings!
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry
Originally written in Latin by Charles Coffin in 1736, this hymn was later translated and adapted by John Chandler, echoing themes of baptism, repentance, and preparation for the Lord’s coming. The vivid imagery of John the Baptist’s call resonates in its solemn appeal for cleansing and healing, making it especially fitting for baptismal services. Set to the ancient tune PUER NOBIS, associated with Christmas origins, this pairing reminds us that the call to repentance and renewal is timeless—inviting every heart to prepare room for Christ.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
The original of this hymn was in Latin; it was published by Charles Coffin (see SDAH 117) in his Hymni Sacri (Sacred Hymns), 1736, and that same year in the Paris Breviary.
The translation used here is from the Lutheran Book of worship, 1978, and is by John Chandler (1806-1876; see SDAH 117), with alterations, thus the indication, “translation composite.) Chandler also translated SDAH 117, “The Advent of our God,” the original of which was written by Charles Coffin.
This hymn, based on the baptism of Jesus by John, is appropriate to be sung at a baptismal service. Stanza 2 is a reaffirmation of the baptismal vows, and the final stanza is a prayer for healing.
The tune PUER NOBIS is one of the many variants of PUER NOBIS NASCITUR (see SDAH 129, “As It Fell On a Night”). It is an adaptation of an original tune by Michael Praetorius, who also arranged SDAH 131, ES IST EIN ROS.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
On Jordan’s banks 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 life from sin;
Make straight the way for God within,
And let us all our hearts prepare
For Christ to come and enter there.
3
We hail You as our Savior, Lord,
Our refuge and our great reward;
Without Your grace we waste away
Like flow’rs that wither and decay.
4
Stretch forth Your hand, our health restore,
And make us rise to fall no more;
Oh, let Your face upon us shine
And fill the world with love divine.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Luke 3:2-4 (b) Luke 2:3, 4
Author
Charles Coffin (1676-1749) Tr. composite
Hymn Tune
PUER NOBIS
Metrical Number
L.M.
Adapted
from Michael Praetorius (1571-1621)
