The Deadly Cup

1 The deadly cup while others drink,
We’ll never, never taste it;
It lures us on to ruin’s brink,
And thousands have confessed it;
Come, boys and girls, the pledge we’ll sign,
Be temp’rance sons and daughters;
We’ll banish brandy, rum and wine,
And drink the crystal waters.

2 We’ll never take God’s name in vain,
And never will profane it;
The virtuous heart shall ne’er complain
Our oaths alarm and pain it;
No words profane our lips shall move,
No words obscene defile them;
And swearers we’ll entreat with love,
And pray for, not revile them.

3 We’ll never use the filthy weed
We taste at first with loathing,
Which pales the cheek all blooming red,
And scents the breath and clothing;
If we beneath its pow’r should fall,
‘Twill prove a cruel master,
Around us throw its iron thrall,
And bind the captive faster.

4 Then come, a war we’ll nobly wage
With all that would degrade us;
The foe may meet us in his rage,
But God will surely aid us;
No tyrant habit e’er shall sit
Enthron’d and crown’d with in
True life these things but ill befit,
‘Tis love divine shall win us.


Source: Light and Life Songs: adapted especially to sunday schools, prayer meetings and other social services #123

• MIDI file from Light and Life Songs: adapted especially to sunday schools, prayer meetings and other social services #123