Page:The astral world, higher occult powers; (IA astralworldhighe00tiff).pdf/47

 with them. Is that the highest basis? If so, when they cease to administer to your gratification, what relation will you hold to them then? It is said that "prosperity makes friends, and adversity tries them." They can make it pleasant for us when they are with us, and in prosperity; but when adversity comes, their position is not quite high enough for us; and we prefer those differently conditioned. This remark is in accordance with the statement, that the friendship of the world is based upon the principle of gratifying ourselves. In making your morning calls, you sometimes visit your friends from a sense of duty; and are influenced by the fear that they will find fault with you if you follow your feelings in the matter, and go where you will derive the greatest amount of pleasure.

When you think these friends are laboring to your disadvantage, then your love for them soon cools off. They don't answer your purpose. Thus, trifling circumstances make foes of friends. You may test the friendship you think you have for individuals. If a person's friendship seems to be strong, and he can not enjoy his friendship for another, unless in that other's society, and he desires to be in the presence of that person, so that he can hear his voice and feel his personal influence, and if, when separated from that friend he is disquieted and unhappy, very much as is the person who uses strong drink or tobacco, and is deprived of his beer, or rum, or tobacco—his friendship has a low basis. But if one has a true friendship, which is high, and holy, and spiritual, one where his whole confidence is merged in that friend, he trusts him with his heart and most secret thoughts, and knows without