Providence, however, directed her steps to his fields, where she met with very kind and civil treatment from the servants, and was introduced to the notice of the master; who being struck with the modesty, and general propriety of her conduct, first in the most delicate manner furnished her with a liberal supply for the present wants of her mother-in-law and herself, and afterwards, having made more particular inquiry into her character and history, proceeded in a regular way to redeem the inheritance of Elimelech, and took Ruth to wife. Thus was she abundantly rewarded for her virtuous and steady attachment, and her general decision and consistency of character. From a distinguished regard for her destitute afflicted mother-in-law, and from a sincere reverence for the true God, and a desire to be instructed in his ways, Ruth had given up her worldly prospects in Moab, and accompanied her relative to Canaan. She accounted all worldly gain but loss, for the salvation of her soul; and her faith and steadfastness were abundantly rewarded: for, even in a worldly point of view, her's proved to be a vastly wiser choice than that of her sister-in-law Orpah; and infinitely more so still, as she was brought to "trust under the shadow of the wings of the Lord God of Israel."

In the history of Naomi, we see the changes incident to human life, the instability of worldly possessions and enjoyments, and the infinite importance of true religion; which, when affliction changes our

pleasantness into bitterness, can enable us to find

that

"The bitter is sweet, the medicine is food."

There are too many, who, like Orpah, seem to set out well in the ways of religion; but, not being prepared to venture all consequences, and renounce all worldly prospects, for the sake of religion, soon return to their pleasures and their sins, and walk no more with Christ and his disciples, (see John vi. 66—– 69.) This is an awful case; let us pray earnestly that we may be kept from it, and enabled in sincerity of heart, to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and trust that all other needful things will be added thereunto. Let young persons, especially on seeking a situation, a profession, or a settlement for life, ever reckon that best, which is best for their souls; and believe what the word of God so repeatedly inculcates, that this world is best secured by taking proper thought for another. In the conduct of Boaz and his reapers, we have a pleasing specimen of the mutual good-will, respect, harmony, and confidence, that ought to subsist between masters and servants; and we observe, how much piety tends to promote the happiness of families. It is a delightful thing to acknowledge God in our daily employments, and daily mercies. Nothing tends so much to sweeten and tranquillize the mind, to regulate our feelings when things go pleasantly, and to soothe our spirits when outward circumstances run counter to our wishes.

In the narrative before us, it must be confessed we meet with some circumstances which cannot be reconciled with our views of propriety; nor ought they to be judged of by the present customs of Society. We may fairly conclude, that if the measure alluded to had had as ill an appearance as it would have in the present day, it would neither have been advised by a pious and prudent parent, like Naomi; nor complied with by a virtuous, discreet young woman, like Ruth; nor tolerated by a good and upright man, like Boaz; nor, above all, can we think that the blessing of Providence would so evidently have rested on the whole transaction. However, we may be sure it was not recorded for imitation in the present state of society and manners; and we have a plain rule in the New Testament, which we cannot too closely abide by, "Abstain from all appearance

of evil," 1 Thess. v. 22.

On the whole, from this interesting story we are led to admire the condescending and providential care of God, as extending to the smallest concerns of his people; nor should we forget, when reading of the kinsman who redeemed the inheritance, to think with gratitude of the grace of Jesus, our Redeemer; who, though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, and, at the price of his sufferings and death, both ransomed our inheritance, and purchased our sinful souls, to be espoused unto him in truth and righteousness: "Let us glorify him both in our bodies and our spirits, which are His."

From the marriage of Boaz and Ruth sprang Obed, the father of Jesse, and grandfather of David; through all of whom the pedigree of Jesus Christ is distinctly traced. The extreme particularity of the Jews, in preserving the genealogies of their tribes and families, was probably designed on their part, and certainly over-ruled by Divine providence, as the means of ascertaining and manifesting that the Messiah descended exactly in that line which it was foretold he should do. We should recollect this, when we are tempted to feel weariness and want of interest in those chapters which are chiefly a list of names. If it could not be proved that our blessed Lord was descended from Abraham-and Isaac-and Jacob-and Judah-and David-we should have wanted one important proof that he was indeed the true Messiah, sent of God to be the Saviour of men. Compare Ruth iv. 11-22. with Matt. i. Luke iii. 33. Heb. viii. 14.-The admission of Ruth, a Moabitess, (as well as of Rahab, a Canaanite,) into the genealogy of Christ, seemed an encouraging token of the bringing in of the Gentiles into his church.

Sequel to Eli; and Samuel, continued, to the Recovery of the Ark. 1 Sam. ii. 22—36. iv, v, vi, vii.

1117-1096.

In the year of Samson's death, a prophet was sent to Eli, to warn him of the impending fate of his house, and the prediction was fulfilled within two years afterwards. The wickedness of his sons increased to an enormous height; and Eli, as has already been