The Bitter Waters

Beside the gospel

Appointed for the poor;

From year to year, my helpless

Has waited for a cure.

How often have I

The healing waters move;

And others, round me, stepping

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

My malady to heal;

He knows how long I've languished here;

And what distress I feel.

How often have I

Why should I longer lie?

Surely the mercy I have

Is not for such as I.

But whither can I go?

There is no other

Where streams of sovereign virtue

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 permitA soul, that fain would see his face,

To perish at his feet.

Olney Hymns