I journey through a desert, drear and wild,
Yet is my heart by such sweet thoughts beguiled-
Of Him on Whom I lean, my Strength, my Stay-
I can forget the sorrows of the way.

Thoughts of His sojourn in this vale of tears-
The tale of love unfolded in those years
Of sinless suffering and of patient grace-
I love again, and yet again, to trace!

Thoughts of His glory! on the Cross I gaze,
And there behold its sad yet healing rays-
Beacon of hope which, lifted up on high,
Illumes with heavenly light the tear-dimmed eye!

Thoughts of His coming! for that joyful day
In patient hope I watch and wait and pray:
The dawn draws nigh! the midnight shadows flee!
O what a sunrise will that Advent be!

Thus while I journey on my Lord to meet,
My thoughts and meditations are so sweet-
Of Him on Whom I lean, my Strength, my Stay-
I can forget the sorrows of the way.