Naaman

Before Elisha’s gate The Syrian leper stood; But could not brook to wait— He deem’d 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 miss’d a cure; Howe’er at length he tried, And found the method sure: Soon as the pride was brought to yield The leprosy was quickly heal’d.

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 enjoin’d, I to performance seem’d inclined.

When by his word he spake, “That fountain open’d see; ’Twas open’d for thy sake— “Go wash, and thou art free;” Oh! how did my proud heart gainsay— I fear’d to trust his simple way.

At length I trial made, When I had much endured; The message I obey’d— I wash’d, and I was cured. Sinners, this healing fountain try, Which cleansed a wretch so vile as I.