The Poetry Corner

Translations. - A Spiritual Song, Concerning Our Holy Baptism, Wherein Is Briefly Contained What It Is, Who Has Instituted It, Whereto It Serves, &C. (Luther's Song-Book.)

By George MacDonald

To Jordan when our Lord had gone, His Father's pleasure willing, He took his baptism of St. John, His work and charge fulfilling; Therein he did appoint a bath To wash us from defilement, And there to drown that cruel Death In his blood of assoilment: 'Twas no less than a new life. Let all then hear and right receive The baptism of the Father; And learn what Christians must believe, Shunning where heretics gather. Water indeed, not water mere Therein can work his pleasure: His holy Word is also there With Spirit rich, unmeasured: He is the one baptizer. This clearly showed He by his word Of open recognition; The Father's voice men plainly heard At Jordan claim his mission. God said, This is my own dear Son In whom I am well contented; To you I send him, every one-- That all may hear I have sent him, And follow what he teaches. Also God's Son himself here stands In human presentation; On him the Holy Ghost descends In dove-like shape and fashion, That not a doubt should ever rise That, when we are baptized, All the three Persons do baptize; And they be recognized Themselves come to dwell with us. Christ to his scholars says: Go forth, Give to all men acquaintance That lost in sin lies the whole earth, And must turn to repentance. Believe, and be baptized, and then Each man is blest for ever; From that hour he's a new-born man, And thenceforth, dying never, The kingdom shall inherit. But who in this grace puts no faith Abides in sin, life misses; He is condemned to endless death Deep down in hell's abysses. Nothing avails his righteousness, And lost are all his merits; Sin original holds its place-- The sin which he inherits; And help himself he cannot. The eye but water doth behold As from man's hand it floweth; But inward faith the power untold Of Jesus Christ's blood knoweth: Faith sees therein a red flood roll, With Christ's blood dyed and blended, Which hurt of every kind makes whole, Whether from Adam heired Or by ourselves committed.