The drink that's in the drunkard's bowl

1 The drink that's in the drunkard's bowl,
Is not the drink for me;
It kills the body and the soul,
How sad a sight is he!
But there's a drink that God has given,
Distilling from the show'rs of heaven,
In measures large and free;
Oh! that's the drink for me,
Oh! that's the drink for me.

2 The stream that many prize so high
Is not the stream for me:
For he who drinks it still is dry,
For ever dry he'll be.
But there's a stream so cool and clear,
The thirsty traveller lingers near,
Refresh'd and glad is he;
Oh! that's the drink for me.

3 The wine cup that so many prize
Is not the cup for me:
The aching head, the bloated face,
In its sad train I see.
But there's a cup of water pure,
And he who drinks it may be sure
Of health and length of days;
Oh! that's the cup for me.

Source: The Minstrel of Zion: a book of religious songs, accompanied with appropriate music, chiefly original #191b