that God would pour out upon us a greater spirit of thankfulness! We

have much indeed to be thankful for : grateful that we are spared whilst others are cut off; grateful for health, for friends, for daily food; and grateful too for innumerable spiritual blessings.

I remember once reading an account of a clergyman going into an hospital, and speaking to a poor man who was lying on one of the beds. He was a miserable object to the eye, worn out with pain, and gradually sinking under a slow, but sure, disease. And yet there was an expression of peace in his countenance; and when the clergyman asked him, if he wanted anything, he replied, "I have all I need. Some would pity me, dying in this hospital; but here I meet with every attention.

It is true my pains are very great, but so too are my consolations. I do want one thing, and but one-and that is a more thankful heart."

And this is what we want a more thankful heart. How much happier we should be, and how much more we should glorify God, if we had more of the spirit of praise. One half of the Psalms are psalms of praise. The angels in heaven praise God continually. The very birds sing in tones of thankful

ness.

But man, who has so much to be grateful for, whose cup runs over with daily blessings, man forgets to pour out his heart in words of thanksgiving to the Lord.

But let us now go back to Naomi and Ruth. We left them talking over

the events of the day, and the great goodness of God in so bountifully providing them with food for their present necessities. And now, Naomi makes a very important disclosure to Ruth. She tells her of a fact, which more than ever showed her that God had been the director of her steps that day. We all know how greatly the sons of Jacob were surprised, when Joseph informed them that he was their brother. And Ruth must have been not less astonished, when Naomi informs her that he, who had shewn her this unusual kindness, was her near kinsman !

Boaz had probably been quite ignorant of this, when he spoke so kindly to that poor gleaner in his field. His kind heart yearned towards her, be

cause he pitied her condition as a stranger, and because he felt a deep interest in her story; and he knew something of that blessedness, of which our Saviour speaks, when he says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Yes, Boaz knew from his own experience the happiness of doing good to others. And it ought to be a cause of joy to us all, if we can, by any means, cheer a sad heart, or pluck out one sharp arrow from a wounded spirit. And who may not do this?

Go, my brother, if you are rich, and seek out those who are groaning under the hard pressure of want. By a little well-timed aid you may make some widow's heart leap for joy. God has been bountiful to you. He has given you enough, and to spare. Take a pleasure

in letting others share in your abundance. There are many objects for your charity; many a Ruth on whom your kindness will be well bestowed. "The

liberal soul (says Solomon) shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."

And what if you are poor? Because you possess little of this world's goods, can you do nothing for your brethren? Yes, you can shew them some act of kindness. You can love them for your Master's sake. You can do them good. Go and try. Say to yourself, "How can I be useful?" Say to God, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"

There are in the world, and perhaps very near you too, many weary souls that need a comforter. There are broken hearts, which a word in

many