p. 9 | An Intimate Friend by W.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 17, 1912

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 49.

An Intimate Friend

By W.

WHAT a precious promise it is, and how often it is repeated by the faithful few who meet in various parts of this sin-darkened earth: “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:20. How often have the honest-hearted ones felt compelled to draw from the larger company of worshipers, contrary to natural inclination, for the truth’s sake, henceforth to associate with the few! But the promise of the Master is precious. He does not demand the great congregation in order to manifest His presence, but the “two or three” who meet in His name will receive His blessing.

But some have not so precious a privilege as the two-or-three meeting. They are alone. The cleaver of truth has separated them from very friends and dear associations. There is not one human, so far as they know, with whom they can unite in prayer. Is there no promise to such? — Yes; one still more precious than the promise to two or three: “If any man hear My voice, and open the door [of his heart], I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Rev. 3:20.

These are the words of the same precious Saviour, Helper, Friend. Precious promises to the “little flock,” scattered among strangers! Precious promises to the earnest and persevering who are living in the midst of deadly Laodicean apathy and lukewarmness and blindness!

All alone thou mayest be for the truth’s sake, Christian pilgrim, but the promise of Christ’s companionship is thine. If any man, if any one—it includes thee, youthful soldier in the battle of life; it includes thee, tired and care-worn mother; it includes all; it includes any one who will open the heart’s door, cast from thence the rubbish of worldliness, sin, and unbelief, and invite his Redeemer in. The multitude may not partake with thee, but thy Guest is more than they all. W.