Beside the Gospel pool

how often have i seen

the healing waters move;

and others, round me, stepping in

their efficacy prove.

but my complaints remain,

i feel the very same;

as full of guilt, and fear, and pain.

as when at first i came.

o would the lord appear

my malady to heal;

he knows how long i’ve languished here;

and what distress i feel.

how often have i thought

why should i longer lie?

surely the mercy i have sought

is not for such as i.

but whither can i go?

there is no other pool

where streams of sovereign virtue flow

to make a sinner whole.

here then, from day to day,

i’ll wait, and hope, and try;

can jesus hear a sinner pray,

yet suffer him to die?

no: he is full of grace;

he never will permit

a soul, that fain would see his face,

to perish at his feet.