Salem's bright King, Jesus by name

Anonymous
quoted here from the 1835 Kirtland hymnal

1. Salem's bright King, Jesus by name,
In ancient times to Jordan came
All righteousness to fill;
'Twas there the ancient prophet stood,
Whose name was John, a man of God,
To do his Master's will.

2. The holy Jesus did demand
His right to be baptized then,
The prophet gave consent;
On Jordan's banks they did appear,
And lo, John and his Master dear,
Then down the bank they went.

3. Down in old Jordan's rolling stream;
The prophet led the holy Lamb,
And there did him baptize:
Jehovah saw his darling Son,
And was well pleas'd in what he'd done,
And own'd him from the skies.

4. The opening heaven now complies,
The Holy Ghost like lightning flies,
Down from the courts above:
And on the holy heavenly Lamb,
The Spirit lights and does remain,
In shape like a fair dove.

5. This is my Son, Jehovah cries,
The echoing voice from glory flies,
O, children, hear ye him;
Hark! 'tis his voice, behold he cries,
Repent, believe, and be baptiz'd,
And wash away your sin.

6. Come, children, come, his voice obey,
Salem's bright King has mark'd the way,
And has a crown prepar'd;
O then arise and give consent,
Walk in the way that Jesus went,
And have the great reward.

7. Believing children gather round,
And let your joyful songs abound,
With cheerful hearts arise;
See, here is water, here is room,
A loving Savior calling, come,
O children, be baptiz'd.

8. Behold, his servant waiting stands,
With willing heart and ready hands
To wait upon the Bride;
Ye candidates your hearts prepare,
And let us join in solemn prayer,
Down by the water side.

This page is part of the "Lost Hymns Project" by Bruce T. Forbes