The Leper

Oft as the leper's case I read, My own described I feel; Sin is a leprosy indeed, Which none but Christ can heal. Awhile I would have passed for well, And strove my spots to hide; Till it broke out incurable, Too plain to be denied. Then from the saints I sought to flee, And dreaded to be seen; I thought they all would point at me, And cry, Unclean, unclean! What anguish did my soul endure, Till hope and patience ceased? The more I strove myself to cure, The more the plague increased. While thus I lay distressed, I saw The Savior passing by; To him, though filled with shame and awe, I raised my mournful cry. Lord, thou canst heal me if thou wilt, For thou canst all things do; O cleanse my leprous soul from guilt, My filthy heart renew! He heard, and with a gracious look, Pronounced the healing word; I will, be clean - and while he spoke I felt my health restored. Come lepers, seize the present hour, The Saviour's grace to prove; He can relieve, for he is pow'r, He will, for he is love.