Bitter, indeed, the waters are

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. Bitter, indeed, the waters are.Which in this desert flow;Though to the eye they promise fair,They taste of sin and woe.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. Of pleasing draughts I once could dream,But now, awake, l find,That sin has poisoned every stream,And left a curse behind.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. But there’s a wonder–working wood,I’ve heard believers say,Can make these bitter waters good,And take the curse away.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. The virtues of this healing treeAre known and prized by few;Reveal this secret, Lord, to me,That I may prize it too.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. The cross on which the Savior died,And conquered for his saints;This is the tree, by faith applied,Which sweetens all complaints.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. Thousands have found the blest effect,Nor longer mourn their lot;While on his sorrows they reflect,Their own are all forgot.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. When they, by faith, behold the cross,Though many griefs they meet;They draw again from every loss,And find the bitter sweet.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 1, Hymn 13. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/1-13