This week I read Michael Haykin’s Iron Sharpens Iron, a short book about great friendships. I found a couple of quotes in the book that I thought would be worth sharing so you can reflect on them as I have.

The first is an excerpt from John Ryland’s sermon at the funeral of his friend Andrew Fuller. Their friendship, he said, had
never met with one minute’s interruption by any one unkind word or thought, of which I have any knowledge. I never had a friend who was so willing to stand by me, even in such services as most others would wish to decline; yet I never had a friend who would more faithfully, freely, and affectionately give me warning or reproof, if ever it appeared necessary; or whom I could more readily and freely, and without the least apprehension of giving offence, tell of any fault which I imagined I could see in him. And this I think is the best friendship in the world. For no man is faultless; and true friendship will not be blind to the failings of those we love best; but will rather show itself in an anxious concern to prevent the least appearance of evil in them, or whatever might occasion their good intentions to be misrepresented. After having lost long ago the venerable Newton and the first Robert Hall, who were the counsellors of my youth; after losing the affectionate Pearce, and the humble and prudent Sutcliff, two other founders of our Mission, this most faithful and judicious friend is also taken from me, and never will my loss be repaired upon earth!
And then, a bit later in the book, is another neat little quote, this one from Robert Hall Jr., who makes some interesting remarks on the nature and benefits of friendship.
He who has made the acquisition of a judicious and sympathizing friend, may be said to have doubled his mental resources: by associating an equal, perhaps a superior mind, with his own, he has provided the means of strengthening his reason, of perfecting his counsels, of discerning and correcting his errors. He can have recourse at all times to the judgement and assistance of one, who with the same power of discernment with himself, comes to the decision of a question with a mind neither harassed with the perplexities, nor heated with the passions, which so frequently obscure the perception of our true interests. Next to the immediate guidance of God by his Spirit, the counsel and encouragement of virtuous and enlightened friends afford the most powerful aid, in the encounter of temptation and in the career of duty.
Perhaps these quotes, or the whole book should you read it, will help you pursue Christian friendships and better appreciate the ones you already have…

I am taking a week’s vacation with my family, so you will find only A La Carte updates at the blog this week. Original content articles will resume again next week.

Westminster Books has deals on a good number of new and noteworthy books released this spring.
Today’s Kindle deals include a nice selection from Crossway.
(Yesterday on the blog: Deeper Than Our Deepest Need)
Admitting Your Views Have Changed Is Better Than Pretending Everyone Else Is Crazy
Yes, indeed! “Here’s something I see a lot of right now. A person with a history of certain public opinions will slowly begin voicing opinions that, while not explicitly contradicting their old views, are clearly in tension with them. These new opinions are evident to most observers, many of whom wonder when and where this person changed. But instead of offering insight into how their views have shifted, this person will insist that nearly everyone around them has changed in some way.”
The true significance of King Charles’ Coronation
Murray Campbell explains (some of) the true significance of King Charles’ coronation.
If God is Good, Why Do So Many Bad Things Happen?
Jim Elliff considers a question that is nearly as old as time itself.
Do You Hate Coldness?
“Sometimes someone says something to you at just the right moment, that serves as a crucial course correction in your life. I can remember one of those moments about seven years ago during a conversation with one of my pastors.”
How to Read Wisdom Literature
This article has several good pointers about properly reading the Bible’s wisdom literature.
The Fire Had No Power Over Their Bodies
Doug Eaton: “‘The fire had not any power over the bodies of those men’ (Daniel 3:27). These are the words spoken of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego while in the fiery furnace. It is a common truth; fire has power over bodies when the two come into contact, but not so in this case. The fire could not even singe their hair or burn their clothes. Unlike when you spend time near a campfire, they did not even have the smell of smoke on them. This event teaches us many things, but here are four encouragements to keep in mind.”
Flashback: One Woman in the Right Mightier than Four Hundred Men in the Wrong
There are many characters in the Bible who display extraordinary character in extraordinary circumstances. Among them is Abigail, whose story is told in 1 Samuel 25. I love this telling of the story from the mouth of the nineteenth century preacher De Witt Talmage.

As some of the best berries grow on the sharpest thorns, so some of the sweetest consolations of the Gospel grow on the most stinging affliction. —De Witt Talmage

Blessings to you today.

Today’s Kindle deals include a quite long list from a number of different publishers. (Also, every volume of The Story of God Bible Commentary series is on sale at a good discount.)
(Yesterday on the blog: Does Nick Send Me Signs?)
8 Reasons to Rethink the Song of Songs
“The Song of Songs is the most lukewarmly debated book in the Bible. There’s some engagement, but not enough. While the arguments and interpretations of Revelation run red-hot, Song of Songs tends to be entrenched in assumptions. I want you to rethink what you might think about the Song of Songs.” That’s not a bad thing to consider.
Your Tears Have Good Company
“The son of God, the darling of heaven, the eternal word, the shaper of worlds, the sustainer of life, the author of faith, the coming judge, the lamb of God—wept. Take comfort—your tears have good company.”
The Legacy Standard Bible
Learn about the literal beauty of the LSB from the translators at LSBible.org. Free Stuff Friday will include a chance to win one of a dozen prizes totaling over $1000! This week save an extra 10% on all Bella Paper calendars, journals, and greeting cards with code CHALLIES. (Sponsored Link)
In what way is Christ presently reigning over the church? (Video)
“Jesus Christ is the Prophet, Priest, and King of the church. But what does His kingly reign look like right now?” Harry Reeder answers in this video from Ligonier.
The Hardest Question for Pastors and Church Planters
“The hardest question for a pastor and especially a church planter, to answer is: How is your church going? It is a common question. It is akin to: How are you doing? It is also a loaded question. There are so many ways to answer and so many layers depending on the interest level of the listener, the social context you’re in, and if you consumed an oversized burrito for lunch.”
What kind of man finds his enemy yet lets him go unharmed?
This is a good question: what kind of a man tracks down his enemy and has opportunity to harm him, yet lets him go unscathed?
What Does God Want of Me?
Rebekah offers “three questions to ask the next time you’re faced with a difficult situation in life.”
Flashback: Don’t Waste Your Ambition
Ambition is good, but it needs to be strengthened by at least two other crucial traits: character and self-discipline.

The cup which my Saviour giveth me, can it be any thing but a cup of salvation? —Alexander Maclaren