Tune: Winchester New
(\'On Jordan\'s bank the Baptist\'s cry\')
Matthew 3 v.7-10
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When John the Baptist he baptised
He did behold before his eyes
The Pharisees and Sadducees
Come to him, for that did them please
But he said, You brood of vipers
Who has warned you? What caused your stirs?
To come to me, who has warned you
To flee from the wrath to come true?
Bring forth therefore fruits that worthy
Be, that your repentance we see
And think not to say within you
Our ancestors Abraham knew
Rely not on him, though he be
Your spiritual father, so we
Are his children, for I say to
You God is able more to do
For He is able from stones here
To raise Abraham\'s children clear
And now also the axe is laid
To root of trees, and blade sharp made
Therefore each tree which does bring not
Forth good fruit, it shall be its lot
To be hewn down, into fire cast
Days of grace, mercy for it past