"I must now make a few general observations upon the marked Phallo-Fire Worship of the Greeks and Romans, too commonly called 'Fire and Ancestor Worship,' it not being perceived that the ancestor came to be honoured and worshipped only as the _Generator_, and so also the Serpent, as his symbol. "The 'Signs' or Nishans of the generating parents, that is the Lares and Penates, were placed in the family niches close to the holy flame--that 'hot air,' 'holy spirit,' or 'breath'--the active force of the Hebrew BRA, and the Egyptian P'ta--the engenderer of the heavens and earth, before which ignorant and superstitious races prayed and prostrated themselves, just as they do to-day before very similar symbols. "The Greeks and Romans watched over their fires as do our Parsees or Zoroastrians. The males of the family had to see that the holy flame never went out, but in the absence of the head, and practically at all times, this sacred duty devolved on the matron of the house. Every evening the sacred fire was carefully covered with ashes so that it might not go out by oversight, but quietly smoulder on; and in the early morning the ashes were removed, when it was brightened up and worshipped. In March or early spring it was allowed to die out, but not before the New Year's Fire had been kindled from Sol's rays and placed in the sanctuary. No unclean object was allowed to come near Agni; none durst even warm themselves near him; nor could any blameworthy action take place in his presence. He was only approached for adoration or prayer; not as fire, which he was not, but as _sexual flame_ or _life_. Prayers were offered to him similar to those Christians use; and with most he held just such a mediatorial office as Christ does. The Almighty was addressed through him, and he was asked for health, happiness wisdom and foresight; guidance in prosperity and comfort in adversity, long life, off-spring, and all manly and womanly qualifications. His followers were taught that it was the most heinous sin to approach him with unclean hearts or hands, and were encouraged to come to him at all times for repentance and sanctification.