William Preston Johnston - John the Baptist lyrics

WHAT went ye to the wilderness to see? Was it a reed shaken by the desert wind? But wherefore went ye? Hoping what to find? A man clothed in soft raiment? Nay, but he, Who dares to beard the haughty Pharisee, In camel's hair and leathern girdle clad, Brings contrite hearts the gospel that makes glad, And warns the wicked Heaven's wrath to flee; For One will come whose fan is in His hand To gather in His wheat and purge the floor. John is His herald; none has gone before Of woman born whose name shall greater stand; But yet unto the very least in Heaven A higher place than unto John is given.