Bread Cast Upon the Waters.
By N. Orcutt
"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand." Eccl. xi, 1, 6. We have the same idea in the admonition of our great High Priest, to "let our light shine." As we believe we have the truth, we should avail ourselves of every proper opportunity to present it to others. This we may do in various ways, by precept, presenting the chain of truth link by link, always in harmony with itself and with the word of God which is truth; by example, that others may see our good works, the most effectual preaching, which cannot be gainsayed; or by presenting a paper or tract in which is embodied some precious truth, thus aiding others in their efforts to "prove all things." Time is short. Jesus is soon coming. Soon the sowing time will be over. Soon the opportunity to cast bread upon the waters gone. Dear brethren and sisters, we, who have the truth, now, while its enemies are putting forth every exertion, should not stand all the day idle. We should be doing all that lies in our power to spread the truth, improving every opportunity to let our light shine; without stopping to reason upon the effect which will follow. The Lord will take care of that if we obey. Has he not promised, that if we cast our bread upon the waters, we shall find it? And can we not trust him and take him at his word? Has he ever failed to fulfill his promises? Oh then let us not distrust him now. We, in our short-sightedness, cannot tell when it will be returned unto us; neither whether seed sown in the morning or at evening will prosper, or whether both shall be alike good. But we may believe that "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Then "let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." I would take this opportunity to acknowledge my obligations to W. E. Landon, of Plainville, Conn., for bread cast upon the waters,—some copies of the Review sent me a year ago, which were a help to me, and for which I feel truly grateful.