Vers. 1, 2.-Famine and impoveruhment. The former scene one bright and joyous. An honest Hebrew, of the tribe of Judah, living upon the land of his inheritance, with the wife of his heart and the children of his youth. Thus were formed the bonds which prosperity could not dissolve and adversity could not snap. Here were learned the hereditary and traditional lessons of faith, patience, forbear- ance, piety, and hope. A contrast follows. I. FAMINE. Probably from some incursion of the hostile forces of Midian into the vale of Bethlehem ; or, if not so, from a succession of bad harvests, or a failure of pastnre, scarcity and famine invaded the abodes of plenty and of peace. II. IMPOVERISHMENT. Upon Elimelech the pressure of the times was peculiarly severe, compelling him to break up his home, quit the modest but cherished inherit- ance of his fathers, and seek subsistence elsewhere. Lessons :-1. Change of circumstances is a common incident in hum11-n life. Every person has either experienced some such change, or has witnessed such reverse in the condition of kindred or acquaintance. A fall from comfort, or even affluence, to poverty frequently happens among occupiers, and even owners, of land, and still more frequently in manufacturing and commercial communities. 2. Religion teaches sympathy with those in reduced circumstances. When a neighbour is deprived not only of the usual conveniences of life, but of the means of educating his children and of providing for hie old age, we should not offer reproach, or even cold, hard advice, but, if possible, substantial help, and always considerate sympathy. 3. Religion has consolation for those in adversity. A message from heaven bids theni " be of good cheer I " Let diligence and frugality contend with circumstances I Be patient and uncomplaining, and avoid tho.t eign of a petty and broken spirit, the dwelling fondly upon bygone prosperity I The sun of prosperity may yet break through the clouds. Even if it be not so appointed, there may still remain those blessings which are dearer than fortune's gifts-wife, child, a good conscience, health, fortitude, hope I If calamity has come upon you through your own fault, repent, and learn "the sweet uses of adversity." If through the fault of others, refrain your heart from malice and revenge, and your lips from cursing. Think rather of what Heaven has left than of what Heaven has taken. "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." Remember that, if Christians, "all things are yours 1"-T. Vera. 1, 2.-Emigration. Picture the removal of this family from the hom~ they loved. Taking with them, it may be, the remnant of their cattle, they bade adieu to the familiar scenes where they had known content and plenty, where they had formed their friendships and alliances. The best prospect for them lay towards the east, and eastwards accordingly they travelled. Whether they struck southwards by the foot of the Salt Sea, or crossed the Jordan <1t the ford, they must soon have reached the verdant hlghlands of Moab. Here it was !hey were to seek a settlement 11nd make a home. U!. I. 1-5.] THE BOOK OF RUTH. 7
I. Those ORANGES of 11bode 11re lli ACCORDANCE WITH PROVIDENTIAL APPOINTME!lT. Migrntions h11ve at all times been common among pastoral, nomadic people. The tillers of the soil 11nd the dwellers in cities have been more stationary. Emigration u gre11t fact in the soci11l life of Britain in our time. Owing to the increase of popu- lution, to geogrnphical discovery, to the application of steam to ocean voyages, emigration common among our artisan and agricultural classes. Some become colonists through the pressure of the times ; others from love of adventure, and desire for a freer life. All of us have friends who have emigrated. Thus God replenishes his earth. II. THESE CHANGES AFFECT DIFFERENTLY DIFFERENT PERSONS. Naomi would feel the severance most keenly, and would look forward with least interest and hope to new surroundings nnd acqullintances. Her sons would not realise the bitterness of change ; the novelty of the circumstances would naturally excite and charm them. Picture the emigrants, the friends they leave behind, the scenes awaiting them, &c. III. THESE CHANGES SHOULD BE WA'rCHED BY CHRISTIANS WITH WISE AND PRAYERFUL INTEREST. Remember that the undecided are yonder free from many restraints. By prayer and correspondence seek to retain them under the power of the truth. Guide emigration into hopeful channels; induce colonists to provide for themselves the word of God, the means of education, the ministry of the gospel.-T. Ver. 3.-Widowhood. In the country of Moab Elimelech and his family found a home. A period of repose seems to have been granted them. They learned to reconcile themselves to new scenes and associations. But life is full of vicissitude. "Boast not thyself of to-morrow." 0, to live as those whose treasure and whose heart are above 1 "Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left." A brief, pathetic record 1 I. The widow's SORROW. The observation of all, the experience of some hearers, may fill up the outline. In every social circle, in every religious assembly, are women who have been called upon to part with those upon whom they had leaned for sup- port and guidance, to whom they gave their hearts in youth, to whom they had borne sons and daughters. II. The widow's LOT. It is often one of hardship and trouble. As in the case before us, it may be aggravated by-1. Poverty. 2. Distance from home and friends. 3. The charge and care of children, who, though a blessing, are a burden and responsibility. III. The widow's CONSOLATION. 1. The promise of God : "Thy Maker is thy husband." 2. Opportunity of Christian service. How different the widow's con- dition in Christian communities from that of such among the heathen I The honour and the work of "widows indeed." Lessons :-1. Submission and patience under bereavement. 2. Sympathy with the afflicted and desolate.-T.