'A friend is one of the greatest blessings on earth. Tell me not of money: affection is better than gold; sympathy is better than lands. He is the poor man who has no friends.
This world is full or sorrow because it is full of sin. It is a dark place. The brightest sunbeam in it is a friend. Friendship halves 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.'
JC Ryle, Practical Religion, p.336.
