d, and hates his
image wherever found. If individual Christians have the favor of
individual worldlings, it never is for their piety, that is rather
borne with than loved; and too often Christians save themselves from
reproach by unfaithfulness; that, alas, has been my sin and shame. In
all my friendships with worldlings, some of which have been tender,
how unfaithful have I been to friendship's highest office. How seldom
have I endeavored to rescue my friend from sin and Satan, by leading
her to the Friend of sinners, the source of happiness. Contenting my
vile, selfish heart, with things pertaining to this life unconnected
with that to come, leaving her under the influence of 'the lust of the
eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life;' without eyes to
see her danger, or friend to warn her of it; and while she
communicated with me in things common to both, in all the good she
knew, keeping back nothing from me of all she possessed; how often
have I concealed my richest treasure, without inviting her to the
participation. O, faithless friend! O, ungrateful, unfaithful--first
to that gracious God who opened mine own eyes, arrested ray attention,
stopped up my path, and turned me to the way of life; and next to
my friend, whom I have left to pursue that same way of death,
without attempting to lead her to this same sovereign, merciful,
gracious Deliverer.

"And what withheld! Shame belongs to the heart governed by such
motives; fear of contempt, reproach, or, at most, the loss of a carnal
friendship. Of three such friends, now gone to their place, two
continued their worldly course to the last, so far as I know; for the
third the Lord provided a more faithful friend, who became worker
together with the Spirit of God, led her to the Friend of sinners, who
has compassion on the ignorant, and them that are out of the way, By
Him she was received, and in Him she found life, light, and peace.

"She soon outran faithless me in the heavenly race; gently chid
me for my remissness, but continued my friend and helper. Ever
foremost in the race, humble and steady in faith, she looked not back,
nor halted. She has long since finished her course, received her crown
and reward of grace, and become fruit to the account of that friend
who supplied what was wanting in me. I rejoice with them both, give
glory to God, from whom their fruit was found, and take shame and
confusion for my part.

"How many opportuniti