  And I saw a little stream Come trickling out from underneath the altar; And as it rippled sunward with glad psalter, It sparkled in its beam. A tiny stream it was As it issued from the threshold of its home; But with growing bulk and power to overcome The sandy desert, it became at length, A mighty river, glorious in its strength, O’er which I could not pass. Both its sides were lined with trees All along its strange course through the desert sand. Trees of fruit and beauty in a barren land— Trees with healing in their leaves for every pain— Trees of fragrant odours floating o’er the plain, Borne by the desert’s breeze. Into the sea this stream With strength and vitalising power flowed, Till everything new life and vigour showed. Great multitudes of fish this dead sea filled, Which of its deadly saltness now was healed. Thus ended my whole dream. And when I woke methought I saw God’s mercy, like this stream,—its source The Upper Sanctuary—this world its course— The secret of its healing power, the blood Poured on the altar under which it flowed,— Free pardon Jesus bought. The Dead Sea’s awful gloom,— Fit symbol of this world of death and sin. Its new state, with the river pouring in New life and health, where death and silence reigned,— Fit emblem of the “paradise regained” From sin’s eternal doom. Rev. F. J. Ochse. [Image of decorative bar not available.] |
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