Rewards of Friendship Told

California, 1922

The rewards of friendship, both in business and in service to others, formed the theme for a sermon to young men, delivered last night by Rev. E. A. Fridell, assistant pastor, in the First Baptist church. His subject was "A Young Man's Friends." Young men of the community were guests of honor.

"The rewards of friendship are bestowed upon those who walk the path of Christian service," Rev. Fridell said. "Willingness to give life, if necessary, constitutes the test of friendship. Jesus gave the clew to the meaning of life when He said, 'Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.'

"No man is too poor to have latent capacities for sympathy and helpfulness; they spur us to greater achievements. Friendships that abide find their strength in the life of the Man of Galilee.

"From among the great crowd that rallied around Jesus, apparently sharing His enthusiasm and having faith in His ideals, only a handful met squarely the challenge to intimate friendship. So today few people learn to know the value of friends. No person lives an abundant life without a friend. To have a friend one must be forgetful of self. Jesus pointed out the way when a follower betrayed Him and He turned to the remaining handful of loyal folks with the words: 'For their sakes I consecrate myself.' The secret the man with friends will be found in those words, 'for their sakes.'"

—Oakland Tribune, Oakland, CA, Aug. 21, 1922, p. 8.