What Sound Doth Jordan's Streams Appal?

For Advent

Words: C. Coffin, Jordanis oras prævia

Translation:  W. M. A., 1883

Source: Orby Shipley, Annus Sanctus: Hymns of the Church for the Ecclesiastical Year. Vol. 1. (London and New York: Burns and Oates, 1884), pp. 14-15.

What sound doth Jordan's streams appal ? 
	The Baptist's voice they hear ; 
Before that herald's solemn call 
	Let soft sleep disappear. 

Ocean and earth and ambient air 
	Their maker's advent know ; 
Their tremors his approach declare, 
	Their joys his presence show. 

Make straight the way, cleanse every breast 
	For God who draweth nigh ; 
Prepare for such a worthy guest 
	Due hospitality. 

Thou, Jesus, hast our bulwark stood, 
	Thou our unfailing aid ; 
Deprived of thee — as we of food —
	The race of man doth fade. 

Unto the sick thy saving hand 
	Grant, nor the prostrate spurn ; 
Show forth thy face ; and straight command 
	That grace to earth return. 

To thee, who camst to set us free, 
	O God the Son, be praise ; 
To thee, O Father, and to thee 
	Blest Spirit, through all days. 

Note from Shipley:

14. Jordanis oras praevia. Lauds Hymn from the Paris Breviary, by C. Coffin. What sound doth Jordan's streams appal, W. M. A. 1883. 

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