I.  THE  author  of  the  '  Imitation '  says  very  wisely :
'  Without  a  friend  thou  canst  not  well  live.'  This  is  true,
in  a  greater  or  in  a  less  degree,  of  everyone  of  us  without
exception.  We  need  someone  to  whom  we  may  freely  and
openly  speak  out  our  mind,  in  whom  we  may  confide,  and
upon  whom  we  may  lean  with  unbounded  trust.  Happy  is
the  boy  who  can  find  among  his  companions  one  who  is
worthy  of  trust  like  this,  and  who  will  prove  unto  him  a
faithful  friend  !  For  in  every  boy  there  is  much  that  requires
a  genial  influence  to  draw  it  forth  and  bring  it  to  maturity ;
otherwise  it  will  wither  and  die,  like  seed  hidden  too  deep  in
the  earth,  and  therefore  unable  to  reach  the  air,  the  light,
and  the  heat.  There  are  high  aspirations,  noble  resolves,
lofty  aims,  which,  if  shut  up  within  his  own  bosom,  remain
there  like  so  many  phantoms.  Let  him  but  find  a  true
friend,  into  whose  patient  ear  he  may  pour  the  thoughts
which  stir  within  him,  and  they  will  take  some  definite
shape,  and  grow  into  actions  which  will  give  glory  to  God
and  bring  help  unto  men.
