DIP IT UP by Mrs. L. C. Hutchins

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 11, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 32.

“DIP IT UP.”

By Mrs. L. C. Hutchins

Out upon the boundless ocean, tempest-tossed, the voyage was long; But the barque outrode the billows and the blast, both fierce and strong. Anxiously they scanned the waters, joyed to meet a friendly ship— Gone, alas, their store of water, nought to cool the burning lip! Then they sounded forth the trumpet, and their plaint was lifted high, “Give us water; we are dying.” “Dip it up!” was the reply. O, how cruel seemed the answer, on the brine so far from shore— Hardened hearts indeed to taunt them, thus to mock their anguish sore! “Dip it up,” the voice repeated; “here is water fresh and free; Here the Amazon, broad river, pushes back the briny sea.” Sure enough! ’twas all about them, water pure to quench their thirst. All their sorrow turned to gladness, mourning now to joy reversed. Oft ’tis thus with sin-sick mortals, sad and storm-tossed day by day. Fearing He who made forgets them, they go mourning all the way, While around us, like the ocean, or the sunshine from above, Flow the waters of salvation, lie the tokens of His love. Had the mariners but doubted, never had they quenched their thirst, Ne’er had dipped and drank the water, had they not believed it first. Pines thy heart for full salvation? Then reach out the empty cup. All about thee lies the blessing; only reach and “dip it up.” Filled the cup with rocks or rubbish, little water would it hold; Empty let it be of folly, love of self, or lust, or gold. Moses lifted up the serpent, bade the wounded look and live. Christ, who died to save the sinner, waits abounding grace to give. Yes, the Spirit now invites you, bids the wanderers not to roam; And the Bride aloud proclaims it, “Let the thirsty ones but come.” Then let him who hears repeat it, “Come ye all with empty cup; *Freely flows ‘life’s crystal river;’ come, poor sinner: ‘dip it up.’*

—Mrs. L. C. Hutchins.