The Single Millstone

“77/^ Egyptians, in their hieroglypJiics, expressed the unprofitableness of a solitary mail by a sifigle millstone, which, being alone, grindeth no meal, though with its fellow it would be exceedi7igly profitable for that pU7’poseP Let this serve as a symbol to those unsociable Christians who endeavonr to walk alone, and refuse to enter into the fellowship of the saints. They are comparatively useless. The Lord has made us dependent upon each other for usefulness. Our attainments are not put to their right use till they supply the deficiencies of others: this is one side of our necessity for fellowship, — we need to associate with the weak, that we may find a sphere in which to trade with our talents, by helping them. On the other hand, our infirmities and deficiencies are meant to draw us into association with stronger brethren, from whom we may receive help and direction. Whether we be of the stronger or the feebler sort, we have an equal reason for seeking Christian communion. It is of the nature of the Lord’s people to assemble themselves together, and live in companies: wild beasts mayroam the woods alone, but sheep go in flocks. David said, “I am a companion of all them that fear thee,” and he showed his piety not only by being select in his company, but in loving such fellowship when he found it.

O thou who didst call thy disciples “friends,” give me evcF the friendly spirit, and make me to love all those whom thou lovest.