A Song in the Desert.

    NEARLY now the last stage trodden
Of the desert way;
All behind them lies the darkness,
All before—the day!
But some hearts were weary travelling,
Murmuring at the road;
Half forgetting their deliverance
By the mighty God.

　"Nought," they said,"there lies around us,
But the desert sand;
Oh! to see once more the rivers
Of Egyptia's land!"
Then God's heart of deep compassion
Sent the message free
"If the people look for water,
Gather them to Me!"

　Forty years of desert wandering
Proving man was vain;
Turning back in heart to Egypt
When a pressure came.
Forty years of desert wandering
Mercies sweet and new,
Every day their path surrounding—
Proving God was true.

　Now the journey almost over,
Trial well-nigh past;
He would have them, as when starting,
Raise a song at last!
Nought but desert sand around them,
Not one spot of green;
But the glory of His presence
Lighting up the scene!

　Desert weariness forgotten,
By that mighty throng;
As around that springing water
Voices rise in song!
Not the songs of "Victory" only
Now their voices fill,
But the deeper, blest experience,
"God is with us still."

　Nearly now the last stage trodden
Of the desert way;
All behind us lies the darkness,
All before—the day!
Wondrous day of glowing promise,
Dimming all beside;
When the One who died to win us,
Comes to claim His Bride!

And while watching for His coming,
Waiting here below;
He would have us in the desert
Find the waters flow.
Streams of sweet and deep refreshment
Gladdening all the throng;
Giving us, when gathered round Him,
Blessing, and a song!
A. S. O.