The Cyber Hymnal ‎#12090

12090. The Bitter Waters

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

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

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

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

Text Information

• First Line: Bitter, indeed, the waters are
• Title: The Bitter Waters
• Author: John Newton
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Source: Olney Hymns (London, W. Oliver, 1779), Book 1
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tune: WALSALL by Henry Purcell

Tune Information

• Name: WINDSOR
• Composer: Christopher Tye (1553)
• Meter: CM
• Key: B♭ Major
• Source: Arr.: Booke of Musicke by William Daman, 1591
• Copyright: Public Domain