Look round the world, and see how failure is written on all men's schemes. Count up the partings, and separations, and disappointments, and bereavements which have happened under your own knowledge. Think what a privilege it is that there is One at least who never fails, and in whom no one was ever disappointed! Never, never was there so unfailing a friend as Jesus Christ. And now, suffer me to conclude this paper with a few plain words of application. I know not who you are or in what state your soul may be; but I am sure that the words I am about to say deserve your serious attention. Oh, that this paper may not find you heedless of spiritual things! Oh, that you may be able to give a few thoughts to Christ! (1) Know then, for one thing, that I call upon you to _consider solemnly whether Christ is your Friend and you are His_. There are thousands on thousands, I grieve to say, who are not Christ's friends. Baptized in His name, outward members of His Church, attendants on His means of grace,--all this they are, no doubt. But they are not Christ's _friends_. Do they hate the sins which Jesus died to put away? No.--Do they love the Saviour who came into the world to save them? No.--Do they care for the souls which were so precious in His sight? No.--Do they delight in the word of reconciliation? No.--Do they try to speak with the Friend of sinners in prayer? No.--Do they seek close fellowship with Him? No.--Oh, reader, is this your case? How is it with you? Are you or are you not one of Christ's friends? (2) Know, in the next place, that _if you are not one of Christ's friends, you are a poor miserable being_. I write this down deliberately. I do not say it without thought. I say that if Christ be not your friend, you are a poor, miserable being. You are in the midst of a failing, sorrowful world, and you have no real source of comfort, or refuge for a time of need. You are a dying creature, and you are not ready to die. You have sins, and they are not forgiven. You are going to be judged, and you are not prepared to meet God: you might be, but you refuse to use the one only Mediator and Advocate. You love the world better than Christ. You refuse the great Friend of sinners, and you have no friend in heaven to plead your cause. Yes: it is sadly true! You are a poor, miserable being. It matters nothing what your income is: without Christ's friendship you are very poor. (3) Know, in the third place, that _if you really want a friend, Christ is willing to become your friend_. He has long wanted you to join His people, and He now invites you by my hand. He is ready to receive you, all unworthy as you may feel, and to write your name down in the list of His friends. He is ready to pardon all the past, to clothe you with righteousness, to give you His Spirit, to make you His own dear child. All He asks you to do is to come to Him.