Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalm 51:7
Words: James L. Nicholson, in Joyful Songs No. 4 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Methodist Episcopal Book Room, 1872).
Music: William G. Fischer (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know where to get a good photo of Nicholson (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
In the spring of 1893,relates the Rev. Mr. Bradley, a Methodist minister in Utah,a lady who had come from Ireland as a Mormon immigrant several years before was brought under very pungent conviction of sin, which lasted for several days. She attended our services several times, but seemed to get no relief.
On the following Monday morning, while she was about her work as usual, the burden had become almost unbearable. As she worked she began to sing,Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; and when she came to the closing words,To those who sought Thee, Thou never saidst No,a feeling came over her like a flash, she says, that He would not sayNoto her.
From that moment the burden was lifted and she was filled with joy.Sankey, p. 306
Lord Jesus, I long
To be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever
To live in my soul.
Break down every idol,
Cast out every foe;
Now wash me, and I
Shall be whiter than snow.
Refrain
Whiter than snow,
Yes, whiter than snow.
Now wash me, and I
Shall be whiter than snow.
Lord Jesus, let nothing
Unholy remain,
Apply Thine own blood
And extract every stain;
To get this blest cleansing,
I all things forego—
Now wash me, and I
Shall be whiter than snow.
Refrain
Lord Jesus, look down
From Thy throne in the skies,
And help me to make
A complete sacrifice.
I give up myself,
And whatever I know,
Now wash me, and I
Shall be whiter than snow.
Refrain
Lord Jesus, for this
I most humbly entreat,
I wait, blessèd Lord,
At Thy crucified feet.
By faith, for my cleansing,
I see Thy blood flow,
Now wash me, and I
Shall be whiter than snow.
Refrain
Lord Jesus, Thou seest
I patiently wait,
Come now, and within me
A new heart create;
To those who have sought Thee,
Thou never saidst No,
Now wash me, and I
Shall be whiter than snow.
Refrain
The blessing by faith,
I receive from above;
O glory! my soul
Is made perfect in love;
My prayer has prevailed,
And this moment I know,
The blood is applied,
I am whiter than snow.
Refrain