July 25

"Thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever."

—I SAM. xx. 15.

THE memory of a dear friend, dead, or absent—how much it may accomplish for me! David is a better man all his life through, because in his youth he loved Jonathan as he loved his own soul.

My friend quickens my conscience, makes it tenderer and more sensitive, keeps it alive and operative. I cannot easily sin if I remember him. I must not displease him or fall below his standard, even if he is not beside me to admonish and reprove. Who knows from what brighter world he may be watching me?

My friend softens and enlarges my heart, fills it with brotherliness and love. There are those in whom I know he would be keenly interested and for whom he would be sure to care. My duty to him, my fellow-feeling with him, will kindle the same sympathies and solicitudes in me.

My friend adds zeal and zest to my activities. I am diligent because I can picture the smile on his face, the warmth in his voice, the genuineness and fervour of his hand-grasp, if he were to meet me to-day and to tell me how he approved my energy.

And my friend brightens my imagination. The future is full of good cheer, because he is in it. Sometime, somewhere, I shall see him once more; and how sweet and satisfying it will seem to be beckoned by his familiar hand to my fitting place!

I am weak and disappointing and sinful; but, if it were not for my friend, I should be infinitely poorer and worse. I praise God for him.

P