Extract From Diary, Dec. 31, 1872.
By N. Orcutt
FAREWELL, A. D. 1872. Farewell to its blessings and privileges, its cares and trials, its sorrows and joys. Its labors are in the past; but the result, eternity alone can unfold. From one choice seed sown, the increase carefully preserved and multiplied, the husbandman in a few years fills his barn with the precious sheaves, his garner, with the golden grain. So with the increase of the precious seed of divine truth. Though in our efforts to scatter that seed, most of it falls upon stony ground, among thorns, or by the wayside, and produces no fruit; yet if one precious grain falls upon good ground, who can estimate the value of the ultimate harvest? Who can tell how many sheaves in the heavenly garner may spring from that one seed? Under the blessing of Heaven, the influence for good is constantly extending. Like the wave caused by casting a stone upon the calm surface of a lake, constantly enlarging its circle until it breaks upon the shore, so the influence of the truth upon the honest heart will continue to be felt. Its final result cannot be estimated. It will only cease when it reaches the shore. How many will be brought within the circle of that influence will be known when he who, with weeping, scattered the precious seed, morning and evening, shall on the evergreen shore number the stars in the crown of his rejoicing. If we faithfully discharge our duty, God will take care of the interests of his cause. Be it ours to plant with Paul, or water with Apollos, as the opening providence of our Heavenly Father prepares the way, and leave the result—the increase—to be developed by that Father's care, and manifested in the soon-coming days of restitution and reward. N. ORCUTT.
Mechanicsville, Vt., Jan. 1, 1873.