02369cam a22003133u 4500 20953 UtSlPG 20260610133502.0 m cr n 260607r2007||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Crothers, Samuel McChord, 1857-1927 By the Christmas Fire Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2007 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2007-03-31 The bayonet-poker -- On being a doctrinaire -- Christmas and the literature of disillusion -- The ignominy of being grown-up -- Christmas and the spirit of democracy. E-text prepared by Thierry Alberto, Martin Pettit, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team "By the Christmas Fire" by Samuel McChord Crothers is a collection of reflective essays written in the early 20th century. The work examines the themes of Christmas, peace, human nature, and moral progress through a philosophical lens, engaging the reader with both personal anecdotes and broader cultural criticism. The opening essay introduces the concept of a "bayonet-poker" as a symbol of transformation and peace in a world riddled with conflict and challenges to goodwill among humanity. At the start of the book, the author describes his Christmas fire, accompanied by a unique bayonet-poker that once served a destructive purpose but has been repurposed for domestic warmth. This metaphor of transformation sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the Christmas spirit, questioning the often contradictory nature of human existence and the difficulty in reconciling our ideals of peace with the harsh realities of the world. Through a series of contemplative narratives, Crothers addresses the complexities of moral ideals, the nature of humanity's struggles, and our capacity for change, inviting readers to reflect on their own role in fostering kindness amidst life's inherent conflicts. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Essays https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20953 62188 62188