WHO IS MY FRIEND? by Anson G. Chester

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Dec 11, 1879

WHO IS MY FRIEND?

By Anson G. Chester

Not he who ever fills my wondering ear With honeyed praises that I love to hear; Who tells me how his heart goes out to me, Just as the eager river seeks the sea; Who calls me learned, insists that I am wise, And holds me always in a sweet surprise; Talks of my genius; when I speak, applauds, And puts me up among the demigods! Whatever I may say or do, commends, And boasts himself my very friend of friends,

But he who coins his friendship into deeds, And runs to cheer and help me in my needs; Whose open hand his liberal heart reveals: Who proves, not tells, the sympathy he feels; Who, when he sees me sorely pressed and tried, Passes not by upon the other side; Who is no Levite to his fellow-man, But, everywhere, the good Samaritan— He is the friend I cherish and approve, The friend that, with my heart of hearts, I love.

Bearing each other's burdens, we fulfill The Master's law and do the Master's will. —Anson G. Chester.