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132 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 pass d 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, &quot; Unclean, unclean !&quot;

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 distress d, I saw The Saviour passing by ; To him, though fill d with shame and awe, I raised my mournful cry.

6 Lord, thou canst heal me if thou wilt, For thou canst all things do ; cleanse my leprous soul from guilt, My filthy heart renew.

7 He heard, and with a gracious look Pronounced the healing word ; &quot; I will be clean,&quot; and while he spoke I felt my health restored.

8 Come, lepers, seize the present hour, The Saviour s grace to prove; He can relieve, for he is power He will, for he is love.