further without first obtaining his consent. He therefore desires Ruth to wait patiently, till all the difficulties should be fairly and openly met. In a few days all is arranged. Every obstacle is removed. And Boaz is able to take Ruth as his lawful wife. It It was indeed a happy marriage. We are not told so; and yet we are sure it was. What a bright prospect was before Ruth and what joy to gladden the latter days of her aged mother-in-law ! The name of "Mara" was no longer suited to her, for now indeed she might once more be called "Naomi." Nothing more is told concerning Orpah-poor wavering, weak-hearted Orpah ! If all that had happened reached her ears, she could not but have envied her sister's happiness. Perhaps many a time, since that bitter day of parting, she had thought within herself, My sister was right, and I was wrong. The Lord guided her choice -the world mine. And "she hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." How sure and bountiful are the payments of the Almighty! Who ever came under His wing in vain? Who ever lost anything by trusting in Him? Who ever forsook the Moab of this world for the true Israel, and had not cause to rejoice in the change? How wonderfully did God ordain it all! This heathen woman becomes a believer. This poor friendless stranger becomes the wife of a great man, and L 3 mistress of the very fields in which she was once a gleaner! I said that Ruth's marriage was happy one. And why? a 1. Because they could reckon on God's blessing; and doubtless both earnestly prayed for it. What we, all of us, want is God's blessing on our undertakings. Without it there may be much that promises fair, but there can be no real, solid happiness. But if God is with us, if He smiles upon our path, though that path may be among thorns and briars, yet there will be peace. 2. Again, we may be sure it was a happy marriage, for there was a oneness of feeling between Boaz and Ruth. They both loved God. They were both journeying on one and the same road. They were partners for eternity. "Can two walk together (asks [the Apostle) except they be agreed?" And this is the advice he gives, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness, or what communion hath light with darkness?" It matters little, whether earthly comforts be many or few; whether the store be scanty or abundant; whether the dwelling be large or lowly-if the hearts within it are bound together by that bond which is stronger even than the tie of affection-the bond of grace -then, be assured, there will be happiness. I am very sure that it is not wealth without, that gives peace within. We have heard of misery in a palace, and we have seen the truest joy in a cottage. If we want to find happiness, we must look for it in that dwelling where husband and wife feel alike, and think alike; where they are serving and loving the same Master, are fellowtravellers on the same road, and are hastening towards the same home. We have somehow got into our heads that riches make us happy. But there is no greater mistake. If we are unhappy, we must look within for the reason. Depend upon it, the cause is there. It is true that outward trials may befal God's people; for" great are the afflictions even "of the righteous." But still, if God is with us, all will be well. If our Saviour is by our |