3. The call of the Gentiles into the Church of Christ—
[In common cases it was unlawful for an Israelite to marry one of the daughters of Moab : but Ruth was become a proselyte to the Jewish religion, and was therefore entitled to all the privileges of a child of Abraham. Still as a Moabitess, taken into that line from whence the Messiah was to spring, and actually made an instrument of continuing the succession whereby he was brought into the world, she was a witness for God to the Gentile world that he had not utterly forsaken them ; but that they in due time should be incorporated with his chosen people, and become partakers of his salvation. Previous to this period, she was barren; but now she bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God : and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instru- mental to the happiness of all that shall be saved by him, even of us Gentiles, as well as of those that were of Jewish descent. To her therefore we may eminently apply those words of the prophet, " Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear ! break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child ! for more are the children of tlie desolate, than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord p." Let none then apprehend that they are so far ofi", but that they may yet
"> Ruth iv. 9, 10. n Gal. iv. 4, 5.
" Heb. ii. 14, 15. p Isai. liv. 1.