And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness; for they kindled a fire.
Glad surprises for Christian workers
God has glad surprises at every turn for those who trust Him, and who walk confidently in the path of duty. People who are called barbarous, or sordid, or cold-hearted, are found ready to show unlooked for kindness to the followers of Jesus. Every faithful mission school worker in the slums of a great city, every sensible Bible reader, or tract distributor, or street preacher, can bear witness to this fact. So also can anyone who has found himself sick, or with a sick friend among strangers. He can never forget the kindness then shown to him by those from whom he expected least. Every heart is human, and everything human is likely to show its humanity unexpectedly. The rudest people, as well as the people of Christian culture, may be trusted to show kindness to those who go among them in the name and in the spirit of Jesus. (H. C. Trumbull, D. D.)
Kindling afire
1. Here was an early Shipwrecked Mariner’s Society.
2. Among rough people there is much of genuine kindness. Let not people of a gentler mould, greater education, and larger possessions, come behind them.
3. Their kindness was thoroughly practical. We have too much of “Be ye warmed,” and too little kindling of fires.
4. 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 harbours.
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 coal of Juniper.
3. Meditation and communion with Jesus (Psa_39:3; Luk_24:32).
4. Fellowship with other Christians (Mal_3:16).
5. Doing good to others (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 he 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 littles. Small sticks are good for kindling.
4. It is well to nourish the flame by going down on your knees, and breathing upon it 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 “everyone.” 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.
Conclusion:
1. What can we each do towards this fire? Can we not each one either kindle or feed the fire? Bring a stick.
2. Let no one damp the flame.
3. Let us pray. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
How to maintain spiritual warmth
Philip Henry’s advice to his daughter was: “If you would keep warm in this cold season (January, 1692), take these four directions:
1. Get into the sun. Under his blessed beams there are warmth and comfort.
2. Go near the fire.” “Is not My Word like a fire?” How many cheering passages are there!
3. Keep in motion and action--stirring up the grace and gift of God that is in you.
4. Seek Christian communion. How can one be warm alone? (C. Spurgeon.)
The benignant soul
The benignant soul possesses a vital energy and an ubiquity which resembles the moss. It matters not to the healthy action of the mosses’ functions whether the surrounding air be stagnant or in motion, for we find them on the mountain top amid howling winds and driving storms, and in the calm, silent, secluded wood, where hardly a breeze penetrates to ruffle their leaves. The range of flowering plants is circumscribed by conditions of light, temperature, elevation above the sea, geological character of the district, and various other physical causes; but the wonderful vital energy with which the mosses are endowed, enables them to resist the most unfavourable influences, to grow freely and luxuriantly even in the bleakest circumstances, and to acclimatise themselves, without changing their character, in any region of the earth, and every kind of situation upon its surface. They symbolise the benignant soul. It is found in connection with every form of religion, and where there is no form of religion at all. In the fierceness of a world’s persecution it maintains its place, yet graces the humble secluded paths of private life. It is found in men of all colours and climes; and, in various forms, dwells wherever there is suffering which needs solacing, or calamities which demand heroism. (Scientific Illustrations.)
The reward of kindness
A young lady residing in Russellville once showed some kindness to an aged tramp. A few days afterwards the tramp sought her, and asked her for her name. He said: “You are a good girl and I like you. Don’t you know that you are the only person that has treated me with any kindness for years? They say I am old and crazy, but don’t you believe ‘em. I have got lots of money, and I am going to leave it all to you.” The lady’s mother coming in at this point, he repeated his remarks to her, and shaking hands with both ladies, left. Recently a letter was received by the lady to the effect that the man was dead, and that on his body a paper was found directing all his money, amounting to several thousand dollars, should be sent to her.
