“WASH and be clean,” I hear it cried,
And some with joy obey;
While others, filled with sinful pride,
Are seen to turn away.
But open, Lord, mine eyes to see
Those precious streams of Life in thee,
In which there’s cleansing e’en for me,
The little leper.
“Wash and be clean:” the words are sweet,
And suited to a child.
And each the offer may repeat
To such as are defiled.
And those who wash, for God are fit;
The blood, it cleanses every whit,
E’n me, if I am washed in it —
The little leper.
“Wash and be clean:” the stream is nigh,
I have not far to go,
For though the Lamb of God’s on high,
I have his word below;
The Bible bids me not refuse
To hear and love the happy news,
That Jesus cleanses and subdues
The little leper.
“Wash and be clean:” ‘tis quickly done,
So simple is the way;
One look of faith at God’s dear Son
Would cleanse this very day.
And I, without a spot of sin,
To Paradise might enter in,
And sing his praise who came to win
The little leper.