 | The forest minstrel |  |
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THE REVELATION.
The world was gathered at Beth-araba,
Beyond the Jordan, in the wilderness,
Attracted thither by the Messenger
Whom God had sent before Immanuel's face,
Beyond the Jordan, in the wilderness,
Attracted thither by the Messenger
Whom God had sent before Immanuel's face,
Was preaching fearlessly—exclaiming still,
“Repent ye, for the kingdom of our God
Is now at hand; repent, and bring such fruits
As may avert the near impending rod.
“Repent ye, for the kingdom of our God
Is now at hand; repent, and bring such fruits
As may avert the near impending rod.
“Renounce all wicked ways, and be baptized
For the remission of your many sins;
Flee from the wrath to come, before the day
That burns with fire unquenchable begins.
For the remission of your many sins;
Flee from the wrath to come, before the day
That burns with fire unquenchable begins.
“I baptize you with water, but there comes
One after me, far mightier than I;
He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost,
And fire from the pervading flame on high.”
One after me, far mightier than I;
He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost,
And fire from the pervading flame on high.”
His words fell on the multitudes with power,
Convincing them of sin, abasing pride,
And moving hundreds to confess their guilt
And seek remission at the cleansing tide.
Convincing them of sin, abasing pride,
And moving hundreds to confess their guilt
And seek remission at the cleansing tide.
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Then Jesus came, with unpretending mien,
From Galilee to Jordan, unto John,
To be baptized of him, and thus fulfil
All righteousness, and put his mission on.
From Galilee to Jordan, unto John,
To be baptized of him, and thus fulfil
All righteousness, and put his mission on.
The rite was finished, and as Jesus came
Up from the water, lo! a voice, so clear,
Distinct, and soul-pervading, came from heaven,
And fell distinctly on the startled ear,
Up from the water, lo! a voice, so clear,
Distinct, and soul-pervading, came from heaven,
And fell distinctly on the startled ear,
Proclaiming:—“This is my beloved Son,
In whom I am well pleased!”—the while a dove
Descended swiftly from the open heaven,
And closed above his brow its wings of love.
In whom I am well pleased!”—the while a dove
Descended swiftly from the open heaven,
And closed above his brow its wings of love.
Thus stood Immanuel, with the Holy Ghost
Brooding upon him, while from heaven pealed
The undoubted voice of the Eternal God,
And thus, the Triune Godhead was revealed.
Brooding upon him, while from heaven pealed
The undoubted voice of the Eternal God,
And thus, the Triune Godhead was revealed.
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