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 traveling, murmuring at the
road;

Half forgetting their deliverance by the mighty God,

" Naught," 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.
Naught 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 a song 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.