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