BEHOLD a man, deep-dyed in sin,
Corrupt without, impure within;
Before the Saviour, see, he stands
With helpless, outstretched, pleading hands.
Unclean! Unclean! The rabble flown,
The Saviour meets the man alone.
Low at His feet the leper falls
And for His healing mercy calls;
Tho stained with sin, rough-clad, and mean,
He prays in faith, "Lord, make me clean."
Not "If Thou canst," but full of guilt
He humbly pleads, "Lord, if Thou wilt."
The tender Lord, compassionate,
With sorrow for his low estate,
Puts forth His hand, with healing touch
That oft brings health and life to such
As on His loving mercy lean,
"I will," He says, "be thou made clean."
Straightway the leprosy departs,
And to his feet the leper starts,
Rejoicing in the strength new-found,
The life-blood flows with healing bound;
Afar the joyful news he tells
Of One in whom true healing dwells.
The Master's heart is touched to-day,
His healing hand will drive away
The blight of sin from every soul,
Restore His image, pure and whole,
If in his weakness, sin and guilt
The sinner cry, "Lord, if Thou wilt."