_Shall I not seek rest for thee?_ REST FOR RUTH I. the object of Naomi’s solicitude. Poor Ruth: a destitute, forlorn, bereaved, homeless, portionless widow. Think of the destitute circumstances of a bereaved sinner, when awakened to find out how deplorably he is ruined and utterly undone under the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wash thyself, therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee._ WASHED, ANOINTED, AND CLOTHED Need we explain this washing, anointing, and clothing? Need we point to the only fountain for sin? Need we say that the holy anointing oil, which consecrates the believer in Jesus a priest and... [ Continue Reading ]
_Uncover his feet, and lay thee down._ DOUBTFUL EXPEDIENTS I. we begin with some explanatory observations, for the purpose of vindicating the narrative from misapprehension and abuse. 1. We must notice the general contrariety of pastoral customs to our own which marked those ancient times in the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Blessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter _. .. _ I will do to thee all that thou requirest _ THE FIRST-FRUITS OF GRACE The passage before us gives a copious illustration of the first-fruits of grace to the accepted soul. Jesus welcomes, blesses, and abundantly rewards all who thus come unto Him.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Six measures of barley._ EXACT RECKONINGS OF MERCIES 1. True virtue or grace makes persons universally good. Boaz was a gracious or virtuous man. He is good in his charity as well as in his chastity: he adds one grace to another (2 Peter 1:5). 2. God’s blessings bestowed on us should be received... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sit still, my daughter._ WAILING UPON PROVIDENCE 1. When lawful means are rightly used, then should we wait upon God for the end. The care of the means belongs to us, but the care of the end belongs to God. We must commit ourselves in all well-doing to the Lord (Psalms 37:5; 1 Peter 4:19).”Until... [ Continue Reading ]