Touch Not, Taste Not

1 There’s danger in the flowing bowl!
Touch not, taste not! handle not!
‘Twill ruin body ruin soul!
Touch not, taste not! handle not!
‘Will rob the pocket of its cash;
‘Twill scourge them with a cruel lash;
And all thy hopes of pleasure dash,—
Touch not, taste not! handle not!

2 “Strong drink is raging,” God hath said:
Touch not, taste not! handle not!
And thousands it hath captive led!
Touch not, taste not! handle not!
It leads the young, the strong, and brave;
It leads them to a drunkard’s grave;
It leads them where no arm can save,—
Touch not, taste not! handle not!

3 Come, let us join each heart and hand,
Touch not, taste not! handle not!
To drive the traffic from the land;
Touch not, taste not! handle not!
We need the strongest, bravest hearts
To foil the cruel tempter’s arts,
And heal his fearful wounds and smarts—
Touch not, taste not! handle not!

4 Oh, hasten, then, the happy time!
Touch not, taste not! handle not!
When joyful bells the notes will chime;
Touch not, taste not! handle not!
Then raise the temp’rance flag on high,
And lift your voices to the sky—
Sing, glory be to God on high—
Touch not, taste not! handle not!

Source: Uplifting Songs #111