DASH DOWN THE CUP by Major John B. Ketchum

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Aug 30, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 35.

DASH DOWN THE CUP.

By Major John B. Ketchum

DASH down the cup! Drink not again; Its very touch is degradation! Quick! dash it down; O! do not drain Its liquid draught of deep damnation! Break through its toils while yet you may; Rush from the warmth of its embracing; Heed not its siren call—away! Each burning drop a grave is tracing.

Drink not again! Be wise, be free; Seize on a noble resolution! Rum's leprous arms encircle thee; Yield not again to its pollution. Drown not the still voice of the soul; Each draught a seed of wo is planting; Drink not, tho beauty pledge the bowl, There's death beneath its light enchanting.

Shake off the curse with manly might; Court not a depth of shame and terror; Turn not your brightest days to night; O! follow not this fatal error. Crush not a pure and noble mind; Make not degraded taste a merit; Wake from your dreams; O! be not blind To God's bright gifts, which you inherit.

Shake off the bonds that bind you down To cold, relentless, heartless fashion; Sunder the cursed ties you own— Sink not a slave to damning passion! Rise from your burning bed—ashamed, Yield not again to the foul demon; Dream not, nor muse—go forth, reclaimed— Be thou a man—a God-like freeman. —Major John B. Ketchum