The Christians Duty, exhibited, in a series of Hymns ‎#XXIII

XXIII. The Pool of Bethesda

1 Beside the Gospel pool
Appointed for the Poor;
From Year to Year, my helpless Soul
Has waited for a Cure.

2 How often have I seen
The healing Waters move;
And others, round me, stepping in
Their efficacy prove!

3 But my Complaints remain,
I feel the very same;
As full of Guilt. and Fear, and Pain,
As when as first I came.

4 O, would the Lord appear,
My Malady to heal!
He knows how long I've languish'd here,
And what Distress I feel.

5 How often have I thought,
Why should I longer lie?
Surely the Mercy I have sought
Is not for such as I.

6 But whither can I go?
There is not other Pool
Where Streams of sov'reign Virtue flow
To make a Sinner whole.

7 Here from Day to Day,
I'll wait, and Hope, and try:
Can Jesus hear a Sinner pray,
Yet suffer him to die?

8 No: He is full of Grace;
He never will permit
A Soul that fain would see his face,
To perish at his Feet.

Text Information

• First Line: Beside the Gospel pool
• Title: The Pool of Bethesda
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1791
• Topic: Penitential Hymns

Tune Information

(No tune information)