14-23, From the time of the Exodus, kind and thoughtful references are made to the strangers within the gates, Deut. 5:14; 10:19. These injunctions found beautiful exemplification in Boaz. How careful should be we who live on a higher level, so far as the knowledge of God is concerned, that we exceed the ancient Hebrews in tender regard for the lonely and bereaved! A desolate woman, whose husband had met with an accident, and was without food or fire, said the other day to a visitor whom God had sent on an errand of mercy, ‘‘I thought nobody eared.’’ Like Boaz, it is our business to speak kindly to such, though not of our kith and kin, and who ean know how far our words may travel!

We have a glimpse into Naomi’s soul in v. 20. It would seem as if she had come to the conclusion that God had forgotten and forsaken her. But when Ruth repeated the words of Boaz, the human love rekindled her faith in God’s love. She began to see God’s purpose shaping itself. The rainbow shone on the retreating cloud of her tears. What an opportunity is presented, each day we live, of bringing the consciousness of God to weary and heavy-laden lives!

eign to our modern practice. But clearly Boaz acted with admirable self-restraint. His earnest concern was for the good name of the young girl who had thrown herself on his protection, vs. 11, 14. Next to God’s grace, the one thought which helps us in the hour of testing is to put the interests of another before our own. Love to our neighbor is ultimately love to ourselves.

What confidence these two helpless women reposed in Boaz! The words with which Naomi closed their conversation suggest a character of absolute reliableness. His word was his bond. He was prompt, decisive and instant in carrying out any measure to which he felt himself pledged. Dilatoriness will wear out the heart of those who trust us. Let us finish promptly what we undertake! ‘‘Diligent in business, fervent in spirit!’’ Remember that when you trust Christ with anything, he also will not rest till he has finished it.