XVII. A Song of Praise for Holy Baptisme.
1
Lord what is Man that Lump of Sin,
Made up of Earth and Hell,
Not Fit to come within the Camp
VVhere Holy Angels dwell?
Man is a Leper from the VVomb,
An Ethiopian born,
A Traitour's Guilty Son and Heir,
VVorthy of pain and Scorn.
2
And dost thou look on such a one?
Are not thine Eyes most pure?
But they are Eyes of Pitty too,
VVhere Griefs do beg a Cure.
This Leper is a Loathsom Sight,
But pity casts an Ey,
And bids him wash in Jordans Streams
To Cure his Leprosie.
3
This Ethiopian Skin is Chang'd,
And made as white as Snow,
VVhen dipt in wonder-working Streams
VVhich from Christs Side did Flow.
As Adam slept, and from his Side
A killing Eve arose:
From my pierc'd Lord (that smitten Rock)
A pure Life-Fountain Flows.
4
Ah what a Tainted wretch is Man!
And so he must have stood.
But Loe! an Act of Sovereign Grace
Restores him to his blood.
Save me, my God; for I am thine,
Lord, own thy Seal to me.
O wash my Soul till it be Cleans'd
And purify'd for thee.
5
Blest above Streams is Jordans Flood
VVhich toucheth Canaans shore.
I'll Sing thy praise in Jordans Streams,
In Canaan Evermore.
