Ver. 10.-The name of the dead. Elimelech was dead, Mahlon was dead. But to Naomi and to Ruth, w'ho survived, and even to Boaz, the kinsmen of the deceased, the dead were sacred. Not only was their memory treasured in the hearts of the survivors; the fact that they had lived exercised an influence, and a very marked in- fluence, over the conduct of those still living. This was human, admirable, and right. I. THE NAME OF THE DEAD SHOULD DE SACRED IN EVERY FAMILY. We were theirs, and they are still ours-ours whilst we live. To forget them wouhl be brutieh ,11,u 70 THE ROOK OF RUTH. [en. IV. 1-22.
inhuman. Their memory should be cherished. Their wishes, wit.hin reasonable limits, should be fulfilled. Their example, if good, should be reverently studied and diligent!)• copied. II. THE NAME OF THE DEAD IS A NATIONAL POSSESSION AND POWER. Cl One gener- ation passeth away, and another generation cometh." But each generation inherits from its predecessor. Patriotism is fostered by the traditions of the great men who have gone, and whose memory is the national pride and g·lory. To us in England what inspiration does "the name of the dead), afford I The heroes statesmen patriots, saints, discoverers, &c. have left behind them imperishable nam~s. •• Let u~ now," says the apocryphal writer, "let us now praise famous men and our fathers which begat us." III. THE NAME OF THE DEAD IS THE INSPIRATION OF THE WORLD'S LABOURS AND DOPES. All gTeat names, save One, are names of the dead, or of those who soon will be suc:h. One was dead, but lives again, and for evermore. His undying life gives true hfe and power to the great names of those whom he causes to live again· for he teaches us that nothing he has sanctified ce.n ever die. ' Query :-What she.II our name be when we are with the dee.d ?-T.
Vera. 11, 12.-Good wishes. When the marriage of Boaz with Ruth was rf'.ll!olved upo~, t!ie eld~rs of the cio/, the bridegroo~'s neighbours ~nd friends, expressed with cordiality their congratulations and good wishes. They wished well to hunself, to his -wife, to his house or family, to his offspring, his seed. I. KIND WISHES ARE FOUNDED IN A PRINCIPLE DIVINELY PLANTED IN Hl]MAN NA- TURE. Sympathy is a principle of human nature. Benevolence is as natural as selfishness, though less powerful over most minds. And we should "rejoice with those who do rejoice." II. IT IS RIGHT THAT ITTND WISHES SHOULD BE EXPRESSED IN WORDS. There is no doubt danger lest insincerity should creep into the customary salutations and benedic- tions of life; many compliments are utterly insincere. Yet even the most scrupulous and veracious may legitimately utter good wishes. It is churlish to withhold such utterances. Ill. CHRISTIANITY GIVES A RICH, FULL :MEANING TO THE KIND WISHES OF FRIEND-- SHIT'. For our religion teaches us to turn every wish into a prayer. It is a sufli.cieut condemnation of a wish that it cannot take this form. With Christians, " God bless you I '' should be a hearty and fervent intercession.-T. Ver. 13.-The birth of a BO'TI,. With true piety as well as justice the author of this hook refers the blessings of domestic life to him who setteth his people in families, and of whom it is said, "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Whenever a child is born into the world the Spirit of wisdom teaches us, as Christians, lessons of the most practical and valuable kind. I. GRATITUDE TO GOD FOB A PRECIOUS GIFT. Christian parents feel that they receive no gifts so valuable, so dear as the children bestowed upon them by the goodness of God. Thanks are ever due for the Divine favour thus shown. II. A SENSE OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY. He must be stolid and insensible indeed who, when his firstbom is placed in his arms, has no thought of the sacred charge laid upon him. Gifts are trusts. The parent's desire and prayer should be for grace to fulfil solemn responsibilities. III. RESOLUTIONS REGARDING EDUCATION. Remembering the.t for the first years of life a child is almost entirely under the parents'_influenc?, fathe~s and mothers w\11 not only at the first seriously and prayerfully dedicate their o:ffspnng to God, but will consider how they may train them up in the way they should go, that when they are old they may not depart from it. IV. A SPIBIT OF DEPENDENCE UPON "THE FATHER OF THE srmlTS OF ALL FLESH I FOR A BLESSING. We cannot too much connect our children with the throne of grace. Private and family prayer will be the means of domestic happiness, and will assist parents in exercising a watchful care and faithful guidance, and children in using aright the opportunities of improvement with which they are favoured.-T. OH, IV, 1-22.] THE BOOK OF RUTH. 71