Monday, July 04, 2011

Practical Religion: J. C. Ryle on the Christian Life


Chapter 14: The Best Friend

"This my friend" [Song of Solomon 5:16]

A friend is one of the greatest blessings on earth. Don't tell me about money: love is better than money; sympathy is better than owning property. He is a poor man who has no friends.

This world is full of sorrow because it is full of sin. It is a dark place. It is a lonely place. It is a disappointing place. A friend is like the brightest ray of the sun on a Spring day. Friendship eliminates half of our troubles and doubles our joys.

A real friend is scarce and rare. There are many who will eat, and drink, and laugh with us in the sunshine of prosperity. There are few who will stand by us in the days of darkness--few who will love us when we are sick, helpless, and poor--few, above all, who will care for our souls.

Does any reader of this article want a real friend? I write this to recommend one to you this day. I know of One who "is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." [Proverbs 18:24] I know of One who is ready to be your friend for time and for eternity, if you will receive Him.

The friend I want you to know is Jesus Christ. Happy is that family in which Christ has the foremost place! Happy is that person whose chief friend is Christ!

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