CHOOSE GOOD FRIENDS

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 20, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 40.

CHOOSE GOOD FRIENDS.

Few things have a more far-reaching influence on life than the companions and friends of one's early days. There should always be the most careful judging of character before one is admitted into the inner circle of friendship. Cowper's words may seem to set up too high a standard when he writes:

"I would not enter on my list of friends, Though graced with manners and fine sense (Yet wanting sensibility), the man Who needlessly sets foot upon a worm."

But little things are tell-tales of character, and heartlessness shown even to a worm tells of heartlessness which may crop out sometime when a worm is not the object. There is one test in all friendships which it is safe to apply in every case. Never choose for your friends those who mock at sacred things. You will not want such near you in the hour of sorrow, or when you have to stand in the great mysteries of life, or when you are shut up in a sick-room, or when you lie on your bed of death. You will not want a jester or a scoffer at your side in such hours, but rather those who are grave and thoughtful, with reverent faith and humble trust in God. Choose for your friends, in youth and all along your life, those whom you will want about you in life's great hours of trial.—Presbyterian.