Old-Line Primitive Baptist Hymn and Tune Book

239 (S.M.) John Newton

Beside the gospel pool

Appointed for the poor,

From time to time my helpless soul

Has waited for a cure.

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.

Oh, 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 sov'reign virtues 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.