Naaman, the Leper by Susan Elmer

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 21, 1865

Naaman, the Leper.

By Susan Elmer

A LEPER stood at the prophet's door, For he had been assured, If he came to the holy man of God, His leprosy would be cured.

But then he thought within himself, "What can the prophet mean?" For he said, "Go wash in Jordan's stream Seven times, and be thou clean."

And as he turned to go away, He reasoned with a sneer, "Are not Abana's waters best? Then why my journey here?"

But by and by to Jordan went, And oh, the wondrous power! For leprous Naaman was made whole, From that eventful hour.

And thus it is with those who slight The Saviour's dying love, Who set their hearts on things below, Instead of those above.

And some extol the gospel high, And speak of sins forgiven; But fain would climb some other way, But the narrow one to Heaven.

How many at the present day Against the Lord rebel; Mark out the way they choose to go, And say, "It's just as well."

The fourth command is made so plain, That all may understand, Yet still they keep another day, For which there's no command.

They tell us that perhaps the first, Is seventh after all; Yet if we keep the seventh day, We sure from grace will fall!

They say the holy law of God Long time ago was slain, But when they get the Sabbath out, They're all alive again.

And then again the world is round, Which makes time vary so, When to commence the Sabbath-day Is not for us to know.

And thus they twist and change about, Until it's plainly seen, What they have raised is far too frail A prop on which to lean.

Why don't they keep the sacred hours Which their Creator blest,— When that command is just as plain As any of the rest?

The ten commands are binding still, And perfect is that law; And though men count it o'er and o'er, They ne'er can find a flaw.

The law will judge us in that day, When all is brought to light, And they who are obedient now Will have a perfect right

To enter through those gates of pearl, Within the city fair,— Eat of the fruit of life's fair tree, And all those glories share.

Susan Elmer.