The Benignant Soul
Scientific Illustrations
Acts 28:2
And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain…


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.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

WEB: The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.




Kindling Afire
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