Before Elisha's gate

NAAMAN by John Newton


 * Before Elisha's gate
 * The 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.


 * 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.


 * Thus by his foolish pride
 * He 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.


 * 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 train
 * Of vows and tears will notice gain.


 * My heart devised the way
 * Which 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.


 * 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.


 * 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.