195. Kindling A Fire.

And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness, for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. - Acts 28:2.

HERE was an early Shipwrecked Mariners' Society. Among rough people there is much of genuine kindness. Let not people of a gentler mold, greater education, and larger possessions come behind them in deeds of kindness. Their kindness was thoroughly practical. We have too much of "Be ye warmed" and too little kindling of fires.

There may be spiritual as well as physical cold, and for this last the kindling of a fire is needed. This is our present subject.

I. THAT WE ARE VERY APT TO BE COLD.

1. The world is a cold country for gracious men.

2. By reason of our inbred sin, we are cold subjects, and far too apt to be lukewarm, or frozen.

3. Cold seasons also come, when all around lies bound in frost. Ministers, churches, saints, are too often cold as ice.

4. Cold corners are here and there, where the sun seldom shines. Some good men live in such cold harbors.

5. Chilling influences are now abroad. Modern thought, worldliness, depression in trade, depreciation of prayer, etc.

If we yield to the power of cold, we become first uncomfortable, next inactive, and then ready to die.

II. THAT THERE ARE MEANS OF WARMTH.

1. The Word of God is as a fire. Heard or read, it tends to warm the heart.

2. Private, social, and family prayer. This is as coals of juniper.

3. Meditation and communion with Jesus. "While I was musing the fire burned" (Ps. 39:3). "Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way?" (Luke 24:32).

4. Fellowship with other Christians (Mal. 3:16).

5. Doing good to others. Job prayed for his friends, and then his captivity was turned (Job 42:10).

6. Returning to first love and doing first works, would bring back old warmth (Rev. 2:4-5).

Let us get to these fires ourselves, lest we be frost-bitten and benumbed.

III. THAT WE SHOULD KINDLE FIRES FOR OTHERS.

We need the fire of revival, seeing so many are washed upon our shores in dying circumstances.

Concerning a true revival, let it be remembered that it both resembles the fire in the text, and differs from it.

1. It must be lighted under difficulties — "because of the present rain." The sticks are wet, the hearth is flooded, the atmosphere is damp. It is not easy to make a fire in such circumstances, and yet it must be done.

2. The fire we need cannot, however, be kindled by barbarians: the flame must come from above.

3. Once get the flame, the fire begins with littlest. Small sticks are good for kindling.

4. It is well to nourish the flame by going down on your knees, and breathing upon it by warm and hearty supplications.

5. It must be fed with fuel. Think of the great Paul picking up a bundle of sticks. Let each one bring his share.

6. This fire must be kindled for "every one." We must not be content till all the shivering ones are comforted.

7. The fire will be of great service, and yet it may warm into life more than one viper. Thank God, the fire which revived the creature into venomous life will also destroy it.

What can we each do towards this fire? Can we not each one either kindle or feed the fire? Bring a stick.

Let no one damp the flame.

Let us pray.