Jesus, The Best Friend

JESUS,THE BEST FRIEND! J.C. Ryle, 1878  "Yes, He is altogether lovely. This is my Beloved, and this is my FRIEND!" Song of Solomon 5:16 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say: Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a FRIEND of tax collectors and sinners!" Luke 7:34 A friend is one of the greatest blessings on earth. Tell me not of moneylove is better than gold; sympathy is better than lands. He is the poor manwho has no friends! This world is full of sorrowbecause it is full of sin. It is a dark place. It is a lonely place. It is a disappointing place. The brightest sunbeam in it, is a friend. Friendship halves our troublesand 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 darknessfew who will love us when we are sick, helpless, and poorfew, above all, who will care for our souls! Does any reader of this paper want a real friend? I write to recommend one to your notice this day. I know of One "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. Hear me, while I try to tell you something about 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!