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THE TOUCHSTONE OF FRIENDSHIP THERE were two boys studying together in a school. They were very closely attached to each other; their friendship was very intimate. But, as years rolled by, their careers led them in different directions. One became a philosopher, the other, a minister. Each progressed in his own sphere with the passing
of time.
Once the minister's wife called on the philosopher. During the course of conversation, she asked, "Why don't you ever come to see your old friend,"
The philosopher replied, “There are throngs of people who come to see my old friend. So, if I don't. it won't make much difference. But I assure you, I'll come to see him when he loses his seat in the elections. Those who bow, low to him now will not take the trouble even to look him up then. When my friend's heart is pierced with disappointment and heavy with distress, I will be there to dress his wound with the balsam of encouragement and comfort.”
Friendship lies, 'not in swelling the crowd of merry-makers, but in giving comfort to the lonely heart,
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