I THANK GOD FOR MY FRIENDS!

Real friends are scarce and rare. There are many who will eat, and drink, and laugh with us in the sunshine of prosperity; but there are few who will truly love us and care for us in times of trouble, few who will share our burdens. This world is a dark, lonely, and disappointing place. It is full of sorrow, because it is full of sin. It is not good for a man to be alone in this world; he needs a friend. A friend is a bright sunbeam in this dark world. One of the most comforting and most joyful things in this world is A FRIEND.

A friend is someone with whom I can be at ease, around whom I can be myself. A friend is someone before whom I do not have to weigh my words or guard my actions. A friend is someone who really cares for my welfare and seeks my happiness. He is not critical, but caring. He is not argumentative, but agreeable. He is not suspicious, but sympathetic. He is not rash, but patient. He is not treacherous and deceitful, but confidential and loyal.

In his good providence, the Lord has given me many friends, friends who love Christ, love the gospel, and love me. I cherish my friends, and thank God for them. And I want to be a friend to the people around me: my brethren in the ministry; the men, women, and children of our church; those to whom I preach in other places; and my own family. "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly." If I can be a friend to you, I will only be following the example of my Lord and Master, the "FRIEND that sticketh closer than a brother."