729    S.M.     John Newton
“Waiting for the moving of the water.” John 5. 2-9

1 Beside the gospel-pool
  Appointed for the poor,
  From time to time my helpless soul
  Has waited for a cure.

2 But my complaints remain;
  I feel, alas! the same;
  As full of guilt, and fear, and pain,
  As when at first I came.

3 O would the Lord appear
  My malady to heal!
  He knows how long I’ve languished here,
  And what distress I feel.

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

5 No; he is full of grace;
  He never will permit
  A soul that fain would see his face,
  To perish at his feet.