a vanishingly small object on the horizon

Many farm practices may seem to the outsider to be cruel, but you have to be cruel to be kind. Many times in farming practice we are cruel but we cannot avoid being cruel. In that cruelty there is a certain kindness, and that is what we are looking for all the time.

And Ionathan gaue his artillery vnto his ladde, and said vnto him, Goe, cary them to the citie. And Jonathan gave his weapons unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city. (American Standard Version)

They praisingly gave thanks to God.