1 Look not upon the wine
That sparkles in its flow,
For death is slumb'ring there,
Beneath its ruddy glow.
No happiness it bringeth,
At last it only stingeth;
It biteth, and it wringeth
The heart with bitter woe.
Chorus:
Look not upon the wine,
O shun the glowing cup!
A demon's arms entwine
The souls of those who sup.
2 Behold the giant fiend
Who laughs in mockery;
He binds the strongest heart,
And boasts of victory.
No human hand can sever
His bands that loosen never
Until the soul forever
Rests in eternity. [Chorus]
3 Go thou, unveil his form,
And bid the erring flee;
O lift the demon's mask,
And let the tempted see.
Implore them to awaken
Ere happiness be taken,
While fetters may be shaken,
While yet they may go free. [Chorus]
4 Lift up the tempted soul
Now fallen in despair,
Direct his thoughts above,
To God, who heareth prayer.
His arm in mighty power
Can bid the demon cower,
And in temptation's hour
Will an escape prepare. [Chorus]
Source: The Seventh-Day Adventist Hymn and Tune Book: for use in divine worship #1383
Belden was born in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1858. He began writing music in his late teenage years after moving to California with his family. For health reasons he later moved to Colorado. He returned to Battle Creek with his wife in the early 1880s, and there he became involved in Adventist Church publishing. F. E. Belden wrote many hymn tunes, gospel songs, and related texts in the early years of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Belden was able to rapidly write both music and poetry together which enabled him to write a song to fit a sermon while it was still being delivered. He also wrote songs for evangelist Billy Sunday. Though Belden’s later years were marred by misunderstandings with the church leadership over his royal… Go to person page >
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