THE BIG BEAR CREEK

The waters of the Big Bear creek

Glide slowly on their way;

The western lakes they surely seek,

Which they will reach some day;

But sluggishly they seek their end —

They scarcely seem to move;

Yet through the fields and round each bend

Their progress daily prove.

By debris borne upon their breast,

And strewn along each shore,

They slowly move, but never rest,

Yet turbid evermore.

But when they reach the Johnson bend

And the Sni Chartna meet,

The turbid and the sky-blue blend —

The union is complete.

And soon is lost all trace of mud;

Of azure tint the whole;

With heaven's own hue the rolling flood

Has gained the long-sought goal.

So is it with the soul renewed

While on its heaven-bound way,

With grace divine it is embued,

Yet shows the trace of clay.

And though to rest it never halts,

Its progress is so slow;

Alas, it has too many faults,

Nor much of heavenly glow.

But when God's sanctifying grace

Shall meet it from above,

You seek in vain for sinful trace —

It now is full of love.

A new impulse it then receives

Which speeds it on its way;

To it no stain of sin now cleaves —

It seeks its perfect day.

And as the azure stream has found

Its home in brimming lake,

So shall the soul thus heavenward bound

Of God's own joy partake.