XI.

THE FAMILY OF NAOMI.

So many dissertations have been written on the character and romantic history of Ruth, that a repetition of the familiar narrative, or another attempt to set forth the beauties of the Scriptural delineation, would be superfluous. We shall dwell upon it a moment, however, for the sake of its beautiful and touching exhibition of affection in the family relations.

There was something peculiar in the love of Ruth for her mother-in-law. She, as well as Orpah, had parents of her own in Moab; and doubtless the promptings of natural affection pleaded in her heart, when she was on the point of leaving them and the country of her birth for ever. Both the daughters-in-law had lived with Naomi till habit had cemented and strengthened the ties of relationship; both loved her for her amiable qualities, and deemed their interests so blended with hers that they intended returning with her into the land of her people. Both had doubtless been instructed by her in the principles of her religion. How was it, then, that when Orpah's resolution failed before the prospect of widowhood and destitution in a strange country-so that she yielded to Naomi's persuasion to turn back-Ruth clung to her the more closely, refusing to be separated from her, save by death!

It was the religious faith of the Hebrews which Ruth embraced, in cleaving to her mother-in-law. Her own family and the friends of her youth were dear to her, but she had renounced the gods of her people, and henceforth the most lasting bond of sympathy was broken. Young as she was, and beautiful, and respected for