HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ch. i. 22; ii. 3.-The gleaner. Bethlehem," the house of bread," was famous for the pastures of its hills, and for the rich cornfields in its fertile valleys. The barley-harvest usually happened in April, and it was then that Naomi and Ruth returned to the village of Judah with which their names are associated. The Mosaic law sanctioned the practice of gleaning, co=anded that the produce of the fields and vineyards should not be wholly removed, but that a portion should be left "for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow." Ruth had, therefore, a right to glean. I. Ruth's gleaning indicates THE POVERTY OF HER CONDITION. None but the necessitous would undertake such an occupation. Naomi and she must indeed have returned empty. In our land, and in our days, happily for the poor, there is always more remunerative work to be had by the industrious poor than this, which accord- ingly has, with the growing prosperity of the country, almost dropped out of use. II. Ruth's ABSENCE OF PRIDE is very apparent. The family into which she had married had owned some of the adjoining land; but in changed circumstances she was not too proud to mingle with the gleaners, and in lowly guise to gather ears of corn. III. We cannot but admire Ruth's VIRTUOUS INDUSTRY. Boaz afterwards said, in praise of her conduct, "Thou followedst not young men." She chose a blameless, though laborious, life. An example to all to avoid dependence, and to cultivate the habit of self-reliance and diligence. IV. Remark Ruth's FILIAL LOVE. She worked not only for herself, but for her mother-in-law, and found a pleasure in supporting her. V. SUCCESS attends Ruth's honest toil. She gathered barley with her hands; speclal favour was shown to her; a friend was raised up to assist her; prosperity crowned her efforts. "Thy bread shall be given thee, and thy water shall be sure. "-T. Ver. 3.-He:r hap. Words could hardly be more suggestive than these. Tliey may be applied to circumstances in the life of every one of us. There have been turning-points in onr history; we took one path rather than another, and with resnlts ~a D 84 THE BOOK OF RU'l'H. [CH. II. 1-9,
(as we now see) how momentous to ourselves! So ,vas it with Ruth of Moab, the gleaner. I. MANY OF OUR ACTIONS ARE PERFORMED WITHOUT ANY THOUGHT on INTENTION REGARDING THEIR RESULTS. In ordinary affairs how often do we decide and act without any special sense of the wisdom of one course rather than another I And there are positions in which our choice seems quite immaterial. It seemed of little consequence in which field this young foreigner, this friendless widow went to glean a few ears of barley. So is it often with us. Shall we go to such 'a place? shall we pay such a visit ? shall we form such an acquaintance? shall we read such a book ? shall we venture on such a remark? shall we write such a note? II. UNFORESEEN AND IMPORTANT ISSUES MAY DEPEND UPON CASUAL AOTIONS. Though it seemed of little consequence in which field Ruth gleaned, "her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz," and from this fact sprang results of the greatest importance. "Her hap " determined her marriage, her wealth her happiness and that of her mother-in-law, her union with Israel, her motherhood her position as an ancestress of David and of Christ. In such seemingly insignificant causes originate the most momentous issues. Thus oftentimes it comes to pass that family relationships are formed, a professional career is determined · nay, relig-ious decision may be brought about, life-work for Christ may be appointed,' eternal destiny is affected. Lessons :-1. Regard nothing as insignificant. 2. Look out for, and follow, the leadings of Divine providence. 3. " In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths l "-T.
Ver. 4.-SalutaJ:ions. It is a pleasant picture of old-world life among the ancient Hebrew&, this of the " mighty man of wealth " coming down from his house to his cornfields to watch the work of the reapers, the progress of the harvest. Boaz seems to have lived on friendly terms with those in his employment, and to have taken an interest in them and in their toils. A lesson for all masters and employers of labour. And how picturesque the scene when the proprietor meets his labourers, and they exchange the customary greeting of the East, sanctified by Hebrew piety ! Saluta- tions are- I. SANCTIONED llY SCRIPTURAL USAGE. E. g. When the mower filleth his hand, and he that bindeth sheaves his bosom, "they which go by say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you: we bless you in the name of the Lord I" (Ps. cx:x.ix.). E. g. Angels are represented as greeting those they are commissioned to visit. Gideon was saluted thus: "The Lord is with thee;'' and Mary thus : "Hail, highly favoured one! the Lord is with thee." E. g. Christ himself was wont to greet his disciples, saying, "Peace be with you I" E. g. The apostle_s closed their letters with greetings and benedictions. "The Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means: the Lord be with you all ! " II. FOUNDED UPON DIVINELY-IMPLANTED PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN NATURE, They presume our social existence and nature. They imply sympathy. They express friendly and benevolent feelings. III. CoNDUCIVE TO THE EASY AND PLEASANT mTERC0URSE OF HUMAN SOCIETY. We all feel the influence of courteous address, polite expressions, and the minor benevo- lences of life. Christians should not be offended or contemptuous when well-mean- ing persons accost them with hand-shaking and minute inquiries after health, &c. ; if well meant, courtesies should be kindly accepted. IV. In the case of pious persons, EXPRESSIVE OF PRAYERFUL WISHEB FOR GOOD. How many of our common salutations have their origin in piety _and prayer! So, in rhe text, The Lord be with you! The Lord bless thee I So with such phrases as, Adieu I Good-bye ! Good morning I God bless you I Farewell I They all convey a desire, a prayer. Let our salutations be sincere, and let our language an(j o•ir conduct prove that they are so.-T.
Vers. 5-14.-Filial pi.ety an<f fal,elity ;~ognuied ~ recompensed. As "the whole city was moved " at Naom1's return, it 1s not surpnsmg that the foreman over tee reapers was able to answer the inquiry of Boa1.-" Whose damsel is this? " OH, II. 1-9.] THE BOOK OF RUTFT.