Vers. 12, 13.-Respectfor others' rights. The situation in which Boaz found him- self was very singular. All that he bad heard and all that he had observed of this young Moabitess had impressed him favourably. His lang1.iage and his conduct show that Ruth had made an impression upon his heart. And it was honourable to him that it was so. Her youth, her beauty, her misfortunes, her industry, her cheer- fulness, her filial devotedness, her virtue, her piety, all commended her to the judg- ment and the affections of the upright and conscientious Boaz. And now, with the most perfect modesty, and in the presentation of an undoubted claim upon him, Ruth offered herself to him as his lawful, rightful wife. What hindered him from immediately complying with her request, and taking her to his heart and his home? There was one impediment. Another had, if he chose to exercise it, a prior claim. Another had the first right to redeem the field of Elimelech, and to espouse the heiress, and raise up seed to the departed. And until this person - the nameless one-had exercised his option, Boaz did not feel at liberty to act upon the sugges- tion of his heart. J. PERSONAL FEELINGS ALWAYS INCREASE THE URGENCY OF THE CLAIMS OF SELFISH- NESS. " By nature and by practice" men seek their own interest. But experience shows us that strong emotion increases the danger of our yielding to such impulses. II. WHERE PERSONAL FEELINGS ARE CONCERNED THERE IS NEED OF WATCHFUL:NESS AND PRAYER. It is so easy to wrong others for the sake of our own gratilication, that it is well to question the arguments and pleas by which our interests are com- mended. Boaz must have been tempted, in the circumstances, to say nothing about the nearer kinsman, but quietly to accept the proposal of Ruth. III. TnuE PRINCIPLE, AIDED BY THE POWER OF RELIClION, WILL ENABLE A M.L~ TO DO THE RIGHT, EVEN THOUGH HIS OWN INTERESTS AND HIS OWN FEELINGS ARE OPPOSED TO BUCH A COURSE. Boaz gained the victory over himself, and consented to abide the issue of an appeal to the nearer kinsman, although he risked thereby the loss of Ruth. Many of the highest illustrations of the nobility possible to man tum upon some such situation, and the course which honour and virtue prescribe is the course in which true and lasting happiness will be found.-T. Vers. 15-11.-Generosity. Boaz was" a mighty man of wealth," and Naomi and Ruth were poor, widowed, friendless, a~d comparatively strangers. All _t)mrngh tl;.i narrative Boaz appears as thoughtful, liberal, unselfish, honourable, mumlicC'nt. lfo is an example to those whom Providence has endowed with wealth. 58 THE BOOK OF' RUTH. [err. m 1-18.
I. \VEALTII IS GIVEN TO TIIE RICH not for their own sake only, but FOR TIIJJ: SAl{ID ?F OTHERS. 11:len are _not the ?Wners, but the stewards, of their possessions. How imperfectly this truth 1s recognised I The only way in which we can give to Christ is by giving to his people. Il. GENEROSITY SHOULD DE PROPORTIONATE TO THE MEANS OF THE GIVER. Both his means absolutely and his means relatively, i. e. considering the claims upon him by virtue of his family, his position, &c. III. GENEROSITY SHOULD BE PROPORTIONATE TO THE NEEDS OF THE REOIPIENT, Those should have the preference who are old, crippled, and helpless; the widow and the orphan. IV. GENEROSITY SHOULD BE UN?STENTATIOUS AND SYMPATRETIO in its spirit. II Let ilot thy left hand kno_w wl!at thy nght hand d?eth." Hardness of manner may spoil beneficence. 11 Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind. "-T. Ver. 18. -Sit still I Naomi showed in her whole conduct not only tender feeling and sympathy, and sincere piety, but much shrewdness, foresight, tact, and knowledge of human nature. When there was anything for Ruth to do she was forward in urging her to action. But she knew that there is always a time to wait, as well as a time to work ; and she reminded Ruth that now events must be left to others-indeed, must be left to God I I. The OCCASION for sitting still. According to some, the belief that God works is inconsistent with-the obligation to work ourselves. The whole idea of the religious life, as apprehended by some mistaken minds, is to do nothing, and to leave God to do everything. And some, who do not ffO so far as this, still are blind to the privilege of being " workers together with God.' When we have done our part, then is the time to sit still. The workman has first to labour, then to rest. The day of toil comes first, and the night of repose follows. When we can do no more, then is the time to sit still. Ask yourself whether you have or have ·not this reason for re- fraining from effort. We sometimes come to the end of our ability; we have done our part, and for us nothing now remains to do. H. MOTIVES which b.hould induce thus to sit still. We have to consider that in certain cases to do otherwise would be utterly useless. In these cases it is a waste of power to make further effort, and a waste of feeling to allow anxiety to distress the heart. Thus any other course would be injurious, would destroy or disturb our peace of mind. And there are occasions wh~n to be quiet is to trust in the provi- dential rule and care of God. So it was with Ruth at this conjuncture. The example of Christ should not be overlooked. There came a time when he was silent before his foes. III. The BLESSING which follows sitting still. 1. Peace of heart. "Rest in the Lord." 2. Strength. " Your strength is to sit still." "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." 3. If God will, prosperity. "He shall give thee thy heart's desire." 4. In any case the glory of God, who desires that his people should do his will, and leaYe results to him.-T. Ver. 1.-Tlwugluful love. "Shall not I seek rest for thee? " How natural. We cannot ever be with those we love. Marriage is God's own ideal, and it is the hap, piest estate if his fear dwells in our hearts. L THEilE IS NO EABTRLY REST LIKE THE REST OF ROME. Judges, warriors, stat~s- men enjoy the honours of life, and are conscious of pleasure in promotion_ and dis- tinction, but their biographies tell us how they turn to home as the highest JOY of a~ Yes I Nothing can compensate for the loss of a happy home, and we should seek ,m every way to make it a refreshment and a delight by doing our best to promote its peace and purity. II. THE EARTHLY ROME rs A PARABLE OF REA,EN. Our Saviour touches our hearts at once when he says, 11 My Father's house," and when he speaks the ~xqui~it~ parable of the prodigal son. No analogies of city or temple are so powerful m the1r influence over us as the analogy of home.-W. M. S. Ver. 2.-Tlie, work of winnowing. "Behold, he winnoweth barley to-nig·Lt." A world-old process this, the winnowing of the chaff from the wheat. Customs change, otl. lit. 1-18. 1 1 fHE BOO:lt OF RU'rlI.