On the Boole of Ruth.-That the Book of Ruth ie included in the canon of Scrip- ture need excite no surprise. l. IT IS A CHAPTER FROM THE HISTORY 01!' THE HUMAN HEART. Contrast it with the Book of Judges, to which it is a supplement, and which records feats of arms, deeds of heroism, treachery, violence, and murder. Here we are led aside from the highway of Hebrew history into a secluded by-path, a green lane of private life. Here are simple stories of heart and home. In human life, home, with its affections and relationships, plays an important part. In this Book we have a glimpse into the domestic life of Israel, with its anxieties, sorrows, and sweetness, Women and children, honest work and homely talk ; deaths, births, and marriages ; loves, memories, and prayers, are all here, The Bible ie the book of man as God has made him. II. IT IS A RECORD OF HUMAN VIRTUE, AND THE PROVIDENTIAL CABE AND REWARD ASSURED TO VIRTUE. Human kindness, filial piety, affectionate constancy, uncom- plaining toil, true chastity, sweet patience, strong faith, noble generosity, simple piety-are all here, and they are all observed by God, and are shown to be pleasing to him, who rewards them in due time. Ill. IT IS A PROO!!' OF THE SUPERIORITY OF HUMANITY TO NATIONALITY. The Hebrews are often blamed for intense exclusiveness and bigotry, yet no ancient literature is so liberal and catholic ae the inspired books of the Old Testament. This narrative shows no trace of national narrowness ; it proves that " God is no respecter of persons ; but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." A pure and gentle Moabitess is welcomed into a Hebrew home. IV. IT SUPPLIES A LINK IN THE CHAIN OF THE GENEALOGY OF DAVID, AND OF THAT SoN OF DAVID WHO WAS DAVID'S LORD. Ruth was one of three foreign women whose names are preserved in the table of our Lord's descent from Abraham.-T. Vere. 1, 2.-.A family of Bethlehem. This Book ie precious as a record of domestic life. The peaceful, prosperous, happy home of the Ephrathite is rather suggested than described. I. The TIME and STATE of society. "The days when the judges ruled." The preceding Book enables us to picture what times of unsettlement, and occasionally of anarchy, these were. The customs of the time were primitive, e.nd the habits of the people were simple. The elders sat at the gates of the little city. Business was transacted with primitive simplicity. The tranquil course of agricultural life diversified by a feast at sheep-shearing, or a mirthful harvest-home. II. The SCENE, "Bethlehem-judah." The fields of Bethlehem, in the territory of Judah, are among the classic, the sacred spots of earth. 1. In Old Testament history. The home of Boaz; the scene of Ruth's gleaning, and of her marriage. In these pastures was trained, in the household of Jesse, and among his stalwart sons, the youthful David, who became the hero and the darling, the minstrel and the king, of Israel. 2. In New Testament history. Between the pastures of Bethlehem and the stars of heaven wo.s sung the angels' song of good-will and peace. Here 6 THE BOOK OF RUTH. [cH. I. 1-/S,
-WRs born the Son of David, who was the Son of God. The visit of the shepherds and the wise men. Herod's massacre of the babes, &c. III. The PURSITTTS of rural life. In Bethlehern-Ephratah Elimelech nnd his inheritance. Here, for a time, he, like his fatherst tilled the fields and fed the flocks he owned in peace. Even in times of trouble and disorder some secluded spots are quiet ; the bleating of the sheep is familiar, and the shouts of war are unheard. In ~ost m~n's breasts the scenes and pursuits of r?ral life are cherished ; perhaps it 1s hereditary. "God made the country." A simple and natural piety is fed by fellowship with nature, the work of God's own hands. IV. The PEACEFUL JOYS of home. In the sweet society of hie wife Naomi ("the pleasant "), his young sons Mahlon and Chilion, growing by hie side in stature and intelligence, the freeholder of Bethlehem passed the jocund days. How can we think and speak quite wortl~il! of the f amil'!/ and the home 1 Here is the Divine nursery of the soul, the D1vme school of life I Let us have no terms with the fanatics who would reconstruct society upon another basis than domestic life. The great lesson-gratitude to Providence for peace, congenial occupation, and a happy home.-T.