My Friend

My Friend. [The following beautiful poem was printed in the early eighties, and is credited to the editor of the East End News. It has often been reprinted, and has appeared in several different languages. We believe readers of the Era will find pleasure in studying the verses and references attached. — Editors.] How often I'd longed for a trustworthy friend, Job 23:3 On whom in all seasons my heart might depend, Ps. 62:8 Both my joy and my sorrow to share; Jas. 5:13 But I met with so much disappointment and pain, Job 5:7; Ps. 4:12,13 That I feared all my seeking would prove to be vain, Sol. Song 3:2 Lo, I nearly gave o'er in despair. Ps. 73:2 I was friendless and sad, my heart burdened with grief, Ps. 88:3 And I knew not to whom I could look for relief, Ps. 8?*:18 When I heard a voice, gentle and calm: Isa. 13:2 "0 come unto me, lay thy head on my breast, Matt. 11:28 And I will refresh thee; in me find thy rest, Matt. 11:29 And I'll ever protect thee from harm." Ps. 91; Heb. 13:5 "I will soothe thee in sorrow, will comfort in pain; Ps. 103:13 You never shall seek my assistance in vain; Matt. 6:6 Then refuse not my offer of love. Heb. 12:25 I will heighten thy joy; I will lessen thy woe; Ps. 30:11 I will guide thee thro' life in the path thou shouldst go, Ps. 32:8 And will safely convey thee above." John 14:2, 3 I listened with pleasure. So sweet was the voice, Zeph. 3:17 So soothing the tone, I could not but rejoice, Matt. 12:19, 20 For I felt that his sayings were true. Rev. 3:14 And now I well know that he used no deceit, Heb. 6:18 For I'm sure that the hours I have spent at his feet, Luke 8:35 Are the happiest ever I knew. Prow 3:17

812 IMPROVEMENT ERA. He stilleth my passions; he calmeth my fears; Isa. 41:10; 1-14 He changeth the aspect of death as it nears, John 8:51 And bids me confide in his love; Isa. 26:3, 4 He whispers his infinite power to save, Heb. 7:25 To snatch me at last from the realms of the grave, I Thes. 4:16 To dwell in his presence above. John 17:24 In what words can I speak of the worth of my friend? Rev. 5:9 Having loved me once, he will love to the end, John 13:1 Though I ofttimes forgetful may be. Hos. 14:4 Every cause of estrangement I would humbly defy, Rom. 8:38, 39 So deep and so long, so broad and so high, Eph. 3:18, 19 Is the love that he beareth to me. Jer. 31:3 And how can I tell of the deeds he has done? Isa. 53. Of the manner in which my affections he won.' Jer. 31:3 Of his goodness, his kindness, his grace? Ps. 103; 34:8 I was lost and he found me; I was blind,he gave sight; Luke 15:4; 4:18 My path was a dark one, but he made it light, Isa, 42:16 And brightened the gloomiest place. Ps. 23:4 I was filthy and foul, but he made me quite clean; I John 1:5 And covered with rags for a long time I'd been, Isa. 64:6 But he gave me a garment to wear; Isa. 61:10 'Twas a beautiful robe, no defect could I see, Rev. 19:8 For he made it himself, and then gave it to me, Rom. 5:19; Phil. 3:9 That I might look lovely and fair. Eph. 5:27 I had broken the law, and was sentenced to die; Rom. 6:23 I knew I was guilty, had naught to reply, Rom. 3:19 And my conscience tormented me sore; Rom. 7:24 When my friend came in view, showed his hands and his side, John 20:27 And told me that once in my stead he had died, I Peter 3:18 That I might have life evermore. John 3:16 Such, then, is my friend. Oh I wish I could sound Ps. 66:16 The praise of his name to earth's uttermost bound, Rom. 10:18 I would sound it again and again. Isa. 62:6 Do you ask who it is that has stilled my complaints? Ps. 34:6 Oh, listen, ye sinners! Oh, praise him, ye saints! Heb. 12:25 It is Jesus, the Savior of Men! Matt. 1:21