In other days when people did not have matches they were
sometimes obliged to go to the neighbors for fire, if their
own blaze went out. Usually a bunch of large knots were laid
on the coals at night and then covered over with ashes until
morning. But if the knots failed to burn, then the oldest
child was usually sent to the neighbors with an iron kettle to
borrow fire. Happy to be of use, the child soon returned with a
kettleful of bright coals and a blazing knot on top.
No man can live at his best who leads a solitary life. Without
the fellowship of others, like an isolated coal he soon ceases
to glow and burn. Very few can remain for a long time in a white
heat of enthusiasm. The flames die down, the warmth disappears
unless the fires are kept replenished. Brainard’s prayer was
“O that I could be a flame of fire in the service of my God.”
(Text.)
(2986)
See CHRISTIANITY, SOCIAL.
=Social Faults=--See DIFFICULTIES, SOCIAL.