The Leper

John Henry Newton

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.