ing, partial, and worldly conduct of the other? And yet how many, with far greater advantages than Ruth, follow the conduct of Orpah! They may have some esteem for pious relatives, but they have no marked and firm piety themselves; they may have tender feelings as to natural things, but they have no resolution as to heavenly ones; they may set out, as it were, towards the land of Israel, and endure some difficulties, and weep at some affecting circumstances, and seem to promise well for a time; but they at last return again to their people and to their gods. Some great obstacle arises, some persecution because of the word, some persua sion on the part of affectionate friends; and then they doubt, they hesitate, they trifle, they yield-they perish.

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What, then, is wanting in such characters? They want that secret but most important difference which distinguished Ruth from Orpah; they want a heavenly taste, a deep conviction of sin, a thorough sense of their need of a Redeemer, and a new birth by the grace of the Holy Spirit. They want DECISION IN RELIGION. This, this is the great defect. Irresolute persons, as an old writer expresses it, are as a door half opened, which invites the tempter; whilst those who have a firm resolution shut and bolt the door, and force him to flee. O that young per sons would consider this! How lamentable is it

for us to part from sisters and friends, because we will not accompany them to heaven! How distressing that, when those who live with us and love us are seeking a better country, we should be left behind! Unstable, hesitating young people! too long have you halted between two opinions. Stop now and determine for God. Come at length to a decision. Choose ye this day whom ye will serve. Be on the Lord's

side. Come out at once from the world. Resolve to take your lot with the church. Go with the people of God; follow them, love them, associate with them, live with them, die with them. Let nothing part you from them. Especially engage yourselves by the vows of the holy Sacrament to be the servants of Christ. Receive his atonement; adore his love; glory in his cross; implore the sanctifying grace of his Holy Spirit. Never be satisfied till you have Ruth's persevering piety, that you may have Ruth's God and Ruth's salvation.

II. LET ME ENCOURAGE THOSE WHO WISH TO BE DECIDED IN RELIGION TO TAKE THE RESOLU

TION RECORDED IN THE TEXT. You cannot be under greater difficulties than Ruth was; you cannot have more seducing entreaties to withstand; you cannot have less distinct knowledge of religion to guide you. And yet Ruth, a Gentile, under an obscure economy, and at one of the most gloomy periods of that dispen

şation, affords you a bright pattern of success. You have advantages by far greater than she. had. You have the full revelation of God's will; you live in a Christian country; you are protected by the social usages and laws of a Protestant nation; you have ministers and friends to direct you; you have the Bible in your hand. You have the blaze of divine glory in the revelation of Jesus Christ. You have been roused from time to time by the providence of God; you have felt the convictions of his Spirit. Neglect not then the opportunity for securing heaven. Are you weak or vacillating or timorous?. Be encouraged. The grace of God will work in you to will and to do; the truth and faithfulness of God will be your shield and exceeding great reward. Consider also the happy consequences of being decidedly the people of God. The difficulty is in taking a determined step and breaking through the first hinderances to a devout life. Act then resolutely in the strength of almighty grace. You will bless God all your future life for enabling you to do so. You cannot, indeed, expect the same temporal blessings which followed the pious Ruth, because you live under another dispensation; but you may rely even on these, so far as they are for your ultimate good. Possibly your greatest difficulties may soon disappear, when you have once taken an open and firm

part. Possibly the very sister or brother, the effect of whose regard in drawing you back to the world, you most dread, may be won over to . your Saviour. The very circumstances which now most perplex you, may be changed, the clouds disperse, and the day break out again with all its splendour. Or, at all events, whatever may be the case as to these outward trials, you will assuredly have pardon, reconciliation, and acceptance with God through the death and righteousness of the Redeemer; you will have the indwelling and communion of the Holy Spirit; you will have the comfort of the promises; the peace and consolation of hope; the testimony of a good conscience; and at last, after the short trials of this life, an eternal rest in the bosom of your Saviour for ever. O'the infinite recompense which awaits the resolute and determined Christian! O the unbounded grace and faithfulness of God! O the wisdom of choosing that good part which shall never be taken from you! None ever complained of God as a rigorous master. He does He does exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think.

III. LET ME EXHORT THOSE WHO, LIKE RUTH, HAVE CHOSEN THIS GOOD PART, TO IMI

TATE HER IN THEIR HABITUAL TEMPER AND CON

VERSATION. Let their industry, their obedience, their submission, their humility, their simplicity, their thankfulness, their consist

ency testify the inward principle of grace by which they are governed. Let their religion be a lovely thing. Let it be productive of amiable tempers and affections. Let an undaunted resolution on points of real moment, be united with softness, tenderness, humility, and courtesy of demeanour on points of less importance. Let there be ever a desire to yield and conciliate, rather than to wound charity and peace by useless and never-ending contentions. This is the genuine fruit of grace. This, this greatly recommends religion in young persons. This distinguishes real principle from self-will and pride. This peculiarly adorns the Gospel of Christ.

IV. LET ME ANIMÁTE PARENTS AND HEADS OF FAMILIES TO BRING UP THEIR CHILDREN FOR THE

service of GoD. They may be afflicted and bereaved. They may be compelled to leave house and country and friends: but, wherever they are, or whatever be their lot, let Naomi's example lead them to become a blessing in their households. Let them submit to the dispensations of a Providence which is as kind as it is unerring. Let nothing tempt them to worldly expedients, even in times of trouble. If distressing events take place without any wilful negligence on their part, let them wait for God's appearance for them. Even the most unjust persecutors can only do whatsoever God's hand and counsel have

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