p. 357 | A True Friend

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 11, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 23.

A True Friend.

THERE is nothing more desirable than a true friend, one in whose wisdom, fidelity, and devotion we can confide. We often feel the need of such a friend, and we may congratulate ourselves when we have found him. Much of the friendship of the world is hollow and selfish. There is no heart in it. It is a mere matter of convenience. There is nothing in it that is enduring. It is easily broken off, and sometimes the professed friend becomes an enemy. We cannot always tell who our friends are. There are many who pretend friendship, but it is only a pretense. They do it to serve a purpose, and when that purpose is accomplished, the mask is thrown off, and they are revealed in their true character. How the heart saddens at such revelations! and, smarting under the disappointment, we are sometimes almost tempted to doubt the reality of human friendship. But to yield to such a temptation would be improper; for, after all the deception that may be practiced upon us, there are true hearts in whom we may confide, and whose friendship, instead of being a pretense, is sincere and genuine. But sometimes the best of earthly friends are unable to comfort us in our sorrow, or to afford us the aid we need. They tender us their sympathy, but that is all they can do. While this is the case, what a consolation to know that there is One whose friendship we may enjoy, who is able to comfort them who are in any trouble, and who can aid us in every time of need? He is a true friend, a friend who will never forsake us, a friend that “sticketh closer than a brother.” It matters not how many earthly friends we may have, or how sincere and true they may be, still we need a friend in Jesus, who will be more to us than all besides, and who, when earthly friends must leave us, will abide with us forever. He can increase our joys, sweeten the bitter cup of our affliction, sustain us amid the conflicts of life, and comfort and cheer us in the hour of death. Can you claim this precious friend as yours? Do you feel that your heart beats in unison with his great heart of love?—Methodist Recorder.