Be Vigilant | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 1, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 37.

Be Vigilant.

FIRE takes long to die out. You can never tell from what heap of cold gray ashes a flame may start up, to begin or to renew a conflagration. Many of the most destructive fires have taken their origin from inflammable material left too near some heap of seemingly dead ashes; and often when the wearied firemen have left the steaming ruins behind them, they are recalled because the flame has started anew from some rubbish heap where all was supposed to be extinguished. Yes, fire takes long to die out. You may think that you are safe from the fire of this or that temptation, because the dead, gray ashes have shown no sign of life. But take care that you do not bring inflammable materials too near them. A gust of passion, a breeze of memory, a wind of ambition, may blow the dying ash into a live coal, and the live coal may carry the fire to the things which are your best and dearest. A little forgetfulness, a little heedlessness, and next you may hear the roar of a flame which your own unaided effort will not extinguish. What is the preventive? Only the most careful watchfulness, only the most earnest care. These half-dead ashes are dangerous chiefly because you see no danger in them. Be on your guard against them—carefully, prayerfully—and they will indeed have for you no peril.—Sel.