Abraham had three faithful friends, Aner, Eschol, and Mamre. The Lord raised up a friend for Joseph in trouble, and for David in his deep affliction, and for the great apostle for whom he prays—that he, Onesiphorus, may find mercy in that day, for he hath oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain. Such friends are the gift of the Friend of Sinners, and such friendship is a part of conformity to his image; praying for one another in secret; reproving with meekness, but fidelity, when permitted to err; speaking well of each other, when absent, and helping each other in trouble, are the genuine fruits of divine love in the heart; and such I have found many: and, although opposed for their candour, affection, and liberality; yet, considering they had a just right to form an opinion of their own, so they had as much right to maintain the same. Narrow minds who form opinions by bare report, are easily biassed, and generally bigotted; of course, such mean souls must persecute all who differ from them. This is the case in the professing world, at present; and it is much to be lamented. However, I have made free to inform you of some of those who have acted in a Christ-like manner to me in trouble, and have too much good sense to view me either as a perfect angel, or an incarnate devil; and to you I send these gingling rhymes:— REAL FRIENDSHIP. _From Achor Vale_.—1818. ON the subject of friendship I beg leave to write, ’Tis the joy of my heart, and my daily delight; Though but little is found, that is true and sincere, I think, in my case, an exception is clear. The God of all grace, on whom I depend, Has blessed his servant, with many a friend, Who have not been afraid, or ever asham’d, To esteem and to own him in sorrow and pain. One half of the faithful and firm I’ve forgot, And many besides, whose names I know not; Yet _those_ who occur this moment to mind, My God will reward in their being so kind; And more so they’d be, if it laid in their pow’r, To soften my woes in this trying hour. May the love of the Lord, which _he_ bears to _his_ saints, Encourage their hearts, when ready to faint With the cares, and the burdens, and griefs of the way, And acknowledge them all in the last trying day. See this promise so sweetly and clearly reveal’d By the Head of the Church, in the great gospel field; Particularly in _Matthew_, the Saviour rehearses In 25th chapter, and some excellent verses. I must tell you of _Hairbys_, and _Elbro’s_ and _Park_, With a _Knawler_, a _Duke_, a _Smith_, and a _Clarke_; A _Fossett_, a _Grumuat_, and a kind-hearted _Trail_, Whose care and concern, like the Lord’s, never fail. Nor can I forget my friend, Mr. _Denny_, Who stood up for my good as undaunted as any. Our worthy clerk, _Shelton_, has oft stood the fire, When many in envy and rage did conspire. I feel much indebted to dear brother _Gray_,