1 When the poor leper's case I read,
My own describ'd I feel;
Sin is a leprosy indeed,
Which none but CHRIST can heal.

2 What anguish did my soul endure,
Till hope and patience ceas'd!
The more I strove myself to cure,
The more the plague increas'd.

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

4 Lord, thou canst heal me, if thou wilt,
Oh, pity to me shew;
Oh, cleanse my leprous soul from guilt;
My filthy heart renew.

5 He heard, and with a gracious look,
Pronounc'd the healing word;
"I will--be clean," and while he spoke,
I felt my health restor'd.

6 Come, sinners, seize the present hour,
The Saviour's grace to prove;
He can relieve, for he is pow'r--
He will, for he is love.