not." Here, as it must invariably be when another is to be served, self was forgotten. Consideration of future prospects was not the point in hand. The present question was this: Ought Naomi, a disconsolate, childless widow, to wander to the land of Judah almost an alien, and alone? No. Then the duty being plain, the decision was prompt, and therefore we read, that the fair Ruth was "stedfastly minded to go❞—which she feelingly asserted in her exquisite reply to Naomi's repeated dissuasions, "Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest I will go, and where thou lodgest I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; where thou diest will I die, and there will I be buried; the Lord do so to me and more also, if aught but death part thee and me."

Ruth was young and robust, as her labours in the fields of Boaz testify, and grudged

not the generous toil which earned the golden grain she wanted for Naomi's nourishment. "The Lord looketh on the heart." She voluntarily devoted her youth and strength to the service of the friendless Naomi; and (to speak after the manner of men) it was a great sacrifice-but, He "who seeth not as man seeth" had prepared for her a rich recompense in the love and liberality of Boaz. Had she withholden her compassionate aid from Naomi, we might picture the solitary widow bereft of every earthly tie, mournfully returning to a scene where she would arrive unknown and uncared for, and at a season of life when there is little left to excite interest in the bosoms of strangers. But the industry, purity, and youthful innocence of Ruth were instrumental in opening the way to a bright and happy future both for Naomi and her gentle self. The power of influence, how great it is!-and when well employed how good it

is! The penniless Ruth held a rich dowry

in the virtues and graces which adorned her “He that humbleth himself

lowly mind.

shall be exalted."

CHAPTER VI.

FORTUITOUS ACTS OF FRIENDSHIP.

"Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."

THE position of a Christian in this world is peculiar. He ought to live as a "pilgrim," not over concerned about mundane affairs, still ever ready to help, serve, and consider all men. He should be no ascetic, yet live above the world; in the world, but not of it. Christian principle is of an expansive nature, reaching far and wide-and, unchecked by adverse circumstances, forces its way through every difficulty, and wILL be felt or seen whatever attempts be made to resist its force, or conceal its effects. Not unlike

the vegetable creation, which, working under the law of a Divine power, steadily and unfailingly pushes on its course season after season, spreading forth beauties, yielding delicacies, or casting foliage as it goesaccording to the time—yet ever busy, obedient to the voice of Him who said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself upon the earth, and it was so." We have often gazed upon some flowering shrub covered with innumerable blossoms which successively bloom and fall, to be replaced by others equally beautiful and apparently the same. But though similar, the flowerets were distinct, and each having fulfilled its end by glorifying Him who gave it life, receded gently from the parent bough, and noiseless dropping to the ground, So it is with the graces

was seen no more.

of a Christian's life. They steal forth like