Though Boaz had not se@ her before, he knew her story and waR evidently plea 8 er! to meet ~er. His _judgments were just, his feelings we;e appropriate, his language was considerate, bis conduct was generous. The character of Boaz commands our respect; and his treatment of Ruth, from beginning to end, was not only blameless it was admirable. As we follow the simple and interesting narrative, we observe- ' I. FILIAL PIETY AWAKENING INTEREST. The beauty of the Moabitess, though in complexion or figure she was " not like unto one of the handmaidens " of Boaz, her modest demeanour and graceful movements, all excited remark and admiration; but, probably, had he not known of her coming back with N aorni, and of all she had done unto her mother-in-law, he would not have addressed her. His interest expressed itself in kindly language and treatment, such as were very suitable in the circum- stances. In ver. 11 Boaz acknowledges, in appreciative language, her disinterested devotion. II. FILIAL PIETY PROMPTS AN OBSERVER'S FERVENT PRAYER. In ver. 12 Boaz is recorded to have said, " 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 trust." Who can contemplate a life of self-sacrifice, of affectionate devotion and service, without asking God to reward it with a recompense not in man's power to bestow ? No prayers are purer and more effectual than those presented for a devoted, dutiful, affectionately ministering daughter I III. FILIAL PIETY SECURES A GENEROUS AND PRACTICAL RECOMPE)l'SE. Boaz was BO gratified by what he heard of Ruth's conduct, and what he observed in her bearing and language, that he became the agent of Providence in rewarding her excellence. He bade her abide in his fields ; he charged the young men to treat her with respect ; he bade her take with welcome of the water, the wine, the bread, and the parched corn provided for the reapers. She found favour in his sight, and he comforted her by his friendly words. Lesson :-Divine providence does not overlook human virtue. Not that man has merit before God ; but the fruits of the spirit are pleasing to the Giver of the Spirit. And God will raise up ministers of recompense for the comfort of his faithful children 1-T. Ver. 4.-" The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee." Nothing is more beautiful in national history than good feeling between masters and men. Religion alone can inspire this feeling. It fails before mere 1,xpediency, and can only be secured by mutual dependence on God and on each other. I. THE LIVING PRESENCE. The Lord with us means courage and consolation- courage to face difficulty, and consolation in all times of depression and dishearten- ment. Christ has given us his own gracious promise, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." II. THE HARVEST TOIL. "Said unto the reapers." It is hard work everywhere in the glaring heat to put in the sickle, and to gather up the sheaves. We may leam from the spectacle the blessed lesson of our duty in relation to others. Let us try to cheer and inspire. Some are full of cold indifference, and others of critical com- plaint. We little know what a word of cheer does for others. Blame makes the hands hang down, and quenches that music of the heart which makes work pleasant and successful. Encouragement is like fresh strength to weary hearts. III. THE KIND RESPONSE. The benediction of Boaz awakens a corresponding bene- diction from the reapers. The harp answers to the hand that sweeps it. Mon are to us very much what we are to them. "The Lord bless thee." We need never despair of this reward. Love begets love. Confidence begets confidence. Blessing awakens blessing. This is what we long and pray for-cessation of war between capital and labour, and mutual benediction.-W. M. S. Ver. 7.-" I pray thee let me glean." In rural life no sight is pleasanter than the hour when the gleaners come in and "gather after the reapers among the sheaves." It bespeaks "something to spare." It is like the "common~" or the grass by th0 roadside for th11 poor man's cattle. "\Ve all like the spectarle of plenty; we all like D2 36 THE BOOK OF RUTH. [cH. II. 10-17,
the consciousness that the overfl.owings of the cup of plenty are to be tasted by others. I. THERE IS WORK FOR THE HUMBLEST TO DO. we may not be permitted to take a leading part even in God's great harvest-field, but we can all do something. We can glean words of comfort to carry to the bedsides of the sick and the homes of the poor. ,ve can glean in the fields of Scripture lessons for the little ones, and promises for the broken-hearted. Thank God there is a place in the world for gleaners as well as reapers. II. THERE IS WORK TO BE SOUGHT OUT. It is asked for. "I pray thee." How manv complain that no one finds a service for them, They are waiters and idlers beca'iise no one gives them a commission, or secures them a suitable field. They wait t.o be sought out, instead of saying, " Here am I, send me." They wait to be besought, instead of beseeching for work. What a glorious day for the Church of Christ everywhere when men seek for the honour of service. Ill. ALL WORK DEMANDS PERSEVERANCE. How constant Ruth is I " She came, and hath continued from the morning until now." How much spasmodic energy there is ; how many ploughs are left mid-furrow; how many begin and do not finish. It is not genius that wins the goal, but plodding earnestness. Ye did run well, glean well; what doth hinder you ?-W. M. S.