The author convinces readers that the match was "the most wonderful thing in the world" by stating some of the things matches were able to replace. " In the early history of the world, nature had to kindle all the fires, for man by his own effort was unable to produce a spark." this means they had to wait for something to happen in nature like a lightning storm to be able to harness fire. "The first method, then, of getting fire for use was to light sticks of wood at a flame kindled by nature—by a volcano, perhaps, or by a stroke of lightning. These firebrands were carried to the home and used in kindling the fires there." This means that they had to go on dangerous hunts for natural fires just so they could take another journey and also have a chance of the fire dying to even get it to their house. When matches were invented,you didn't have to risk yourself to get fire. Therefore, it was "the most wonderful thing in the world".
The author is using personification to develop his idea that the river has human qualities. The river is talking to him and is warning him to prepare for danger.
