I pluck an acorn from the green sward and hold it to my ear;
and this is what it says to me: “By and by the birds will come
and nest in me. By and by I will furnish shade for the cattle.
By and by I will provide warmth for the home in the pleasant
fire. By and by I will be shelter from the storm to those who
have gone under the roof. By and by I will be the strong ribs of
the great vessel, and the tempest will beat against me in vain,
while I carry men across the Atlantic.”
“Oh foolish little acorn, wilt thou be all this?”
And the acorn answered, “Yes, God and I.”--LYMAN ABBOTT.
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