When from the Jordan's gleaming wave
Game forth the sinless one,
A voice athwart the heavens flashed,
“Lo, my beloved son!”

The Baptist, gazing on his face
With the soul's radiance bright,
Beheld upon his sacred head
A snow-white dove alight.

Now, with baptismal waters touched,
Thy children, Father, see;
While heart and soul, and mind and strength,
They consecrate to thee.

Send down on them thy holy dove,
Thy spirit undefiled;
Be each in purity and faith
Thy well-beloved child!

O help them in the wilderness,
To conquer doubt and sin,
To see above them still thy Peace
And hear thy voice within!