The Leper

I

Oft as the leper’s case I read,
  My own described I feel:
Sin is a leprosy indeed
  Which none but Christ can heal.

II

Awhile I would have pass’d for well,
  And strove my spots to hide,
Till it broke out incurable,
  Too plain to be denied.

III

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!”

IV

What anguish did my soul endure
  Till hope and patience ceased!
The more I strove myself to cure,
  The more the plague increased.

V

While thus I lay distress’d, I saw
  The Saviour passing by;
To him, though fill’d with shame and awe,
  I raised my mournful cry.

VI

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.

VII

He heard, and with a gracious look
  Pronounced the healing word;
“I will⁠—be clean,” and while he spoke
  I felt my health restored.

VIII

Come, lepers, seize the present hour,
  The Saviour’s grace to prove;
He can relieve, for he is power⁠—
  He will, for he is love.