Hymns and Spiritual Songs/John Was The Prophet Of The Lord

by Isaac Watts

For other versions of this work, see John Was The Prophet Of The Lord.

Now be the God of Israel bless'd
Who makes his truth appear,
His mighty hand fulfils his word,
And all the oaths he sware.

Now he bedews old David's root
With blessings from the skies;
He makes the branch of promise grow,
The promis'd horn arise.

John was the prophet of the Lord
To go before his face,
The herald which our Saviour God
Sent to prepare his ways.

He makes the great salvation known,
He speaks of pardon'd sins;
While grace divine and heavenly love
In its own glory shines.

"Behold the Lamb of God," he cries,
"That takes our guilt away:
"I saw the Spirit o'er his head
"On his baptizing day.]

"Be every vale exalted high,
"Sink every mountain low,
"The proud must stoop, and humble souls
"Shall his salvation know.

"The heathen realms with Israel's land
"Shall join in sweet accord;
"And all that's born of man shall see
"The glory of the Lord.

"Behold the morning star arise,
"Ye that in darkness sit;
"He marks the path that leads to peace,
"And guides our doubtful feet."