1. Herald, in the wilderness,
Breaking up the road,
Sinking mountains, raising plains,
For the path of God;

2. Prophet, to the multitudes
Calling to repent,
In the way of righteousness
Unto Israel sent;

3. Messenger, God’s chosen one
Foremost to proclaim,
Proffered titles passing by,
Pointing to the Lamb.

4. Captive, for the word of truth
Boldly witnessing;
Then in Herod’s dungeon cave,
Faint and languishing;

5. Martyr, sacrificed to sin
At that feast of shame;
As his life foreshowed the Lord,
In his death the same—

6. Holy Jesus, when He heard,
Went apart to pray:
Thus may we our lesson take
From his saint today.