When Jesus unto the Jordan came

1 When Jesus unto Jordan came,
And was baptiz'd by John:
There it was prov'd he was the same
Who should for sin attone.

2 He was baptiz'd, but not as they
Who are of sinful race:
He had no sin to wash away,
To make him heir of grace.

3 Repentance sure he needed not,
His life was pure indeed:
And he had neither stain or spot
Of which he need be freed.

4 Why then did he there to attend,
And why was he baptiz'd?
It was to answer that great end,
For which it was devis'd;

5 This was the ordinance alone
Which was for to ordain:
That great High Priest who should attone
For all the guilt of men.


Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #XXIX