THE BITTER CUP by Laura C. Hutchins

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 25, 1861

THE BITTER CUP.

By Laura C. Hutchins

LORD, I cried, in humble faith, Cleanse me by thy blood and death; Purify and make me clean, Let thy Spirit dwell within.

Be my sins put far away, Make me stand in the dread day; Righteousness as linen fair, Be my spotless, blest attire.

Canst thou bear the burden up? Tasting the baptismal cup? Canst thou bear the world's dread scorn? Wear within thy side the thorn?

Lonely tread the rugged way? Thus the Saviour seemed to say. Then I prayed, oh, strengthen me, Yea, I can, with aid from thee.

Take, O, take me by thy hand, Be my still abiding friend; Go with me the thorny way, Never, never, let me stray.

Then he sent the bitter cup, Called on me to drink it up; Bitter, bitter, yet 'twas meet, And behind there lingered sweet.

Friendly smiles were turned to scorn, And I felt the piercing thorn, Hardest of the lot I share,— Yet he gives me grace to bear.

Darkness oft surrounds my way, Snares to lead my feet astray; Strugglings sore, and fierce, and long, Stifle oft the rising song.

When my deep unworthiness, Fills my spirits with distress, Then do I my longings stay, On the Life, the Truth, the Way.

Oft amid this sad surprise, Comforting doth hope arise; Those who feel the chast'ning rod, Sons beloved are of God.

Patient, then, I'll labor on, Till the mists of time are gone; Joyful tread the narrow way, Till it ends in perfect day.

LAURA C. HUTCHINS.

Pier Cove, Mich.