break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus'^."]
2. Of vital godliness —
[This was at the root, and was the true spring of her determined resolution : " Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." She had been instructed by her mother in the knowledge of the true God; and she determined to consecrate herself to his service, and to take her portion with his people. This was very particularly noticed by Boaz, as no less conspicuous than her filial piety : " It hath fully been sliewn me all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of thine husband ; and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore : the Lord recompense thy work ; and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trusf^." Her desire after God was paramount to every other consi- deration under heaven. She believed that his people were happy above all other people : and, whatever she might endure in this life, she determined to unite with them, and, as far as possible, to participate their lot. Her views of religion might not be clear : but it is evident that a principle of vital godli- ness was rooted in her heart, and powerfully operative in her life. In fact, she acted in perfect conformity with that injunction that was afterwards given by our Lord, " Whoso- ever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple'*,"]
But her character will appear in yet brighter co- lours, if we consider it,
II. As compared with that of Orpah and Naomi —
Compare it with that of Orpah — [Orpah loved her mother-in-law; and, at first, deter- mined not to part from her. In answer to the suggestions of Naomi, she joined with Ruth in saying, " Surely we will return with thee unto thy people^." But, when a faithful representation was given her respecting the sacrifices she would be called to make, she repented of her good intentions, and, taking an affectionate leave of her mother-in-law, " returned to her own people, and to her idol-gods *^." Like the rich youth in the Gospel, she departed, reluctantly indeed, yet finally and for ever^. " Orpah," it is said, " kissed her mother-in-law: but Ruth clave unto her^." Happy Ruth ! " thou didst
b Acts xxi. 13. " Ruth ii. 11, 12. ^ Luke xiv. 33.
e ver. 10. f ver. 15. s Matt. xix. 21, 22.
'' ver. 14.