The words
Stanza 1. Before Elisha’s gateThe Syrian leper stood;But could not brook to wait,He deemed himself too good:He thought the prophet would attend,And not to him a message send.
Stanza 2. Have I this journey come,And will he not be seen?I were as well at home,Would washing make me clean:Why must I wash in Jordan’s flood?Damascus’ rivers are as good.
Stanza 3. Thus by his foolish prideHe almost missed a cure;Howe’er at length he tried,And found the method sure:Soon as his pride was brought to yield,The leprosy was quickly healed.
Stanza 4. Leprous and proud as he,To Jesus thus I came,From sin to set me free,When first I heard his fame:Surely, thought I, my pompous trainOf vows and tears will notice gain.
Stanza 5. My heart devised the wayWhich I supposed he’d take;And when I found delay,Was ready to go back:Had he some painful task enjoined,I to performance seemed inclined.
Stanza 6. When by his word he spake,That fountain opened see;’Twas opened for thy sake,Go wash, and thou art free:”O! how did my proud heart gainsay,I feared to trust this simple way.
Stanza 7. At length I trial made,When I had much endured;The message I obeyed,I washed, and I was cured:Sinners this healing fountain try,Which cleansed a wretch so vile as I.
Olney Hymns (1779), Book 1, Hymn 38. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/1-38
