
Author: John Newton Hymnal: The Cyber Hymnal #16594 Meter: 8.6.8.6 First Line: Oft as the leper’s case I read Lyrics:
1 Oft as the leper’s case I read,
My own described I feel;
Sin is a leprosy indeed,
Which none but Christ can heal.
2 Awhile I would have passed for well,
And strove my spots to hide;
Till it broke out incurable,
Too plain to be denied.
3 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!"
4 What anguish did my soul endure,
Till hope and patience ceased?
The more I strove myself to cure,
The more the plague increased.
5 While thus I lay distressed, I saw
The Savior passing by;
To Him, though filled with shame and awe,
I raised my mournful cry.
6 "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!"
7 He heard, and with a gracious look,
Pronounced the healing word,
"I will, be clean." And while He spoke
I felt my health restored.
8 Come lepers, seize the present hour,
The Savior’s grace to prove;
He can relieve, for He is power,
He will, for He is love.
Languages: English Tune Title: ST. MAGNUS
Oft As The Leper's Case I Read