nature, if not rescinded, nor positively censured by our Lawgiver, is not the presumption strong, almost to certainty, that it is binding on us? The question being chiefly in regard to our dispensation, multiplied quotations will not be sought from that of the ancient church. The context most plainly conveys permission and approbation of friendship. The close intimacy to which some may be admitted, even a union like that which subsists between soul and body, not only is not reproved as criminal, but is named in connexion with the fraternal, and filial, and conjugal relations; and the only caution is against the enticement to sin, which either might occasion. "If thy brother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee, saying, Let us go after other gods-thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him, neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare him, neither shalt thou conceal him." The natural and obvious inference is, that the love of friends is as justifiable, as of domestick connexions; that its influence is as strong or stronger; that the perversion of this influence is as cautiously to be watched and resisted.

Throughout the historical books are interspersed allusions to the firmest and most devoted friendships. Who does not remember the mutual attachment, thus exquisitely described; "The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David; and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul." What eye but has glistened at the plaintive elegy; "They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and," O happy friends! "in their death they were not divided." "I am distressed for thee, my brother, very pleasant hast thou been unto me; thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of In the sacred poets and prophets are many direct precepts, or plain intimations, favourable to such connexions. The wisest of men has this, among other similar exhortations; "Thine own FRIEND and thy father's friend, forsake not." He says, "A FRIEND loveth at all times; and there is a FRIEND, that sticketh closer than a brother." But one infinitely greater than Moses or Solomon, is here! Jesus Christ did not interdict his followers the enjoyments and benefits of friendship. Again and again he speaks, in

women."

his parables, of those in this relation, without any express or implied censure of their special regard. To one whom he had liberated from the legion of unclean spirits, he said, "Go home to thy FRIENDS, and tell them what great things the Lord hath done for thee." Why should this gracious consideration of the delight which would be experienced by others, from the recovery of this demoniack, be limited to the circle of family? Extend it, and it is illustrative of the condescending interest which the Saviour, in his human nature, felt in the joys of friendship. But, if a doubt exist on this head, it must be put to rest by his tender expression to the disciples, respecting Lazarus; "OUR FRIEND sleepeth." View him at the grave, where the Jews seeing that he wept, said, behold how HE LOVED him. Hear what the BELOVED DISCIPLE says of his regard for the family of this favoured FRIEND: "Jesus LOVED Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." Above all, attend to his pathetick appeal respecting the purity and degree of his benevolence for mankind; "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his FRIENDS;"

and dismiss the allegation, that his gospel gives no countenance to private friendship.

The second general head was, to treat of the pleasures, benefits, and obligations of true friendship. Who doubts-who has not experienced the satisfactions and advantages of this union of soul? In the sunshine of prosperity, we look eagerly round for some kindred spirit, to whom the bright and mellow colouring of the landscape may be pointed out. The heart, that beats high with hope, or is light with happiness, pants to impart of its joy to some other that harmonizes with its sentiments. Excitement to duty, as well as participation of delight, is found in friendly intercourse. Few considerations, subordinate to the highest and best motives, desire for the favour of God, and respect for his sovereign authority, are more influential in exciting and maturing good dispositions and habits, than desires for the friendship of the wise and virtuous among our fellow mortals. Few means are more productive of right sentiments and good actions, than the example and approbation of the excellent. As vice is proverbially contagious, there is also an important influence exercised by virtue. This is almost without

B

limitation, when to the common claims of a good example is superadded the consideration, that this pattern is set, this model exhibited, by one whom we glory in esteeming, and whose esteem is essential to our enjoyment.

When calamities threaten or oppress, how encouraging is the presence, how valuable the support, of a friend.* By his kind assistance, perplexity is unravelled, doubt is reliev ed, despondence is cheered. The well known accents of sincere regard, proceeding from the soul, reach the soul. In the lassitude of confinement, during the wasting of disease, amid the anguish of decay, its gentle hand can calm the throbbings of an aching head, and quiet the tumults of a bursting heart. While the bed of decline is made smooth and soft, when prepared by its skill; its kind offices" can minister to a mind diseased"its almost magick power strew some poppies over the pillow of distraction. Nothing besides religion can contribute to patience and serenity, comparable to genuine friendship. And how tenfold potent are the appeals to conscience, how irresistible the call to seek unto the God of mercy, when both blend in

*“A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him.” Ecclesiasticus vi. 16.