John Newton & William Cowper · 14 of 356
13. Bitter, indeed, the waters are
Hymn 13
Bitter, indeed, the waters are. Which in this desert flow; Though to the eye they promise fair, They taste of sin and woe.
Of pleasing draughts I once could dream, But now, awake, l find, That sin has poisoned every stream, And left a curse behind.
But there’s a wonder–working wood, I’ve heard believers say, Can make these bitter waters good, And take the curse away.
The virtues of this healing tree Are known and prized by few; Reveal this secret, Lord, to me, That I may prize it too.
The cross on which the Savior died, And conquered for his ; This is the tree, by faith applied, Which sweetens all complaints.
Thousands have found the blest effect, Nor longer mourn their lot; While on his sorrows they reflect, Their own are all forgot.
When they, by faith, behold the cross, Though many griefs they meet; They draw again from every loss, And find the bitter sweet.