Does now our path lie all through Beulah?
Do Eschol's grapes bestrew the way?
Are eyes undimmed and hearts unwearied?
Does nought but brightness fill our day?

Would we thus know our Saviour's mercies?
Or would His beauty seem so bright?
Ah, no; the clustering stars shine clearest,
When cold and deep and dark the night.

We need the Marahs and the Bacas,
The sorrows and the trials sore;
'Tis thus we learn to look to Jesus,
Tis thus we learn His love the more.

When all our earthly fountains fail us,
When dried is every sparkling rill,
We find in Christ our Spring eternal
Wherewith our empty gourds to fill.

Would we then earth's fair beauties favor,
Or fill our cup with her rich wine?
Ah, no! we'd rather choose the sorrows,
If thus we taste the joys divine.

To know Thy love and comfort, Jesus,
Is joy which earth cannot afford;
We taste it here, we'll know its fulness
When with Thee in Thy glory, Lord!

M. C. S.