them. And we shall see in the next chapter how they acted. I am afraid, their faith failed them a little; and instead of running to God for help, they ran away from Him, and betook themselves to a worldly remedy.

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CHAPTER II.

THE EMIGRANTS.

RUTH 1. 3. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. And Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons.

WHAT was to become of Elimelech and his family, now that their country was in so pitiable a state? Were they to remain in the land, which God had chosen for them-that land which He had so specially marked out for their portion? Were they to submit patiently to this heavy trial, believing that God would soon hear their cry.

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and once more lift up the light of His countenance upon them? Were they to rely upon God's promise, which said, "The Lord knoweth the days of the godly they shall not be confounded in the perilous times, and in the days of dearth they shall have enough?" Or were they to seek a home in some more favoured spot? The thought came across Elimelech, that, as there was bread enough and to spare elsewhere, the wisest thing he could do was to leave this faminestricken land. The neighbouring country of Moab was spoken of. There there was an abundance; and there he determines to go and take up his abode.

With a heavy heart they bid farewell to the little town of Bethlehem,

which had been so long their home. There were many friends, no doubt, who were dear to them; and these it was painful to leave behind. And sadder still was their journey; for every step carried them farther from all they loved on earth; and every step made them feel that their portion now was to be among strangers.

At length they reached the land of Moab. And now, the question we feel inclined to ask is, Were they wise in taking this step? For some reasons they were wise. There was an abundance in the land of Moab, and a scarcity in the land of Judah. Want and suffering were certain to have been their portion, if they had remained. Worldly prudence then seemed to point out some other spot as thei

dwelling place. But one thing they did not sufficiently consider-they were leaving behind them many of their religious advantages, and were going to sojourn in the country of Moab, which was a land of Heathens. They found a maintenance there, it is true: but there was a scarcity of spiritual food : "not a famine of bread, nor a thirst of water, but of hearing the word of the Lord." When they got there, they found no House of God to worship in; no Ministers to guide them; no godly Friends with whom they could “take sweet counsel."

Do you not think that often, when they were in their new home, their minds wandered back to Bethlehem, their own beloved Bethlehem? Do you not suppose that, more than once,