Stanza 1
Beside the gospel pool
Appointed for the poor;
From year to year, my helpless soul
Has waited for a cure.
Stanza 2
How often have I seen
The healing waters move;
And others, round me, stepping in
Their efficacy prove.
Stanza 3
But my complaints remain,
I feel the very same;
As full of guilt, and fear, and pain.
As when at first I came.
Stanza 4
O would the LORD appear
My malady to heal;
He knows how long I've languished here;
And what distress I feel.
Stanza 5
How often have I thought
Why should I longer lie?
Surely the mercy I have sought
Is not for such as I.
Stanza 6
But whither can I go?
There is no other pool
Where streams of sovereign virtue flow
To make a sinner whole.
Stanza 7
Here then, from day to day,
I'll wait, and hope, and try;
Can JESUS hear a sinner pray,
Yet suffer him to die?
Stanza 8
No: he is full of grace;
He never will permit
A soul, that fain would see his face,
To perish at his feet.