December 15

“Orpah iv.iA« d Tier mother-in-law; but Bicth clave unto her.” Ruth i. 14.

^fcjC^OTH rt them had an affection for Naomi, and there* %1 fore S’lt out with her upon hor return to the land of Jndah. But the hour of est came; Naomi most inselfishly set before each of their the trials which awaited hem, and bade them, if they car’d for ease and comfort, to return to their Moabitish friends At first both of them declared that they would cast in tbflr lot with the Lord’s people; but, upon still further consi(/*Tation, Orpah, with much grief and a respectful kiss, left ber mother-in-law, and her people, and her Grod, and went bjct to her idolatrous friends, while Ruth, with all her heart gave herself up to the God of her mother-in-law. It is thing to love the ways of the Lord when all is fair, and v’lite another to cleave to them under all discouragements an.’, difficulties. The kiss of outward profession is very che’tp and easy, but the practical cleaving to the Lord which ‘rust show itself in holy decision for truth and holiness, i? not so small a matter. How stands the case with us? is our heart fixed upon Jesus? is the sacrifice bound with cords to the horns of the altar? Have we counted the cost, and are we solemnly ready to suffer all worldly loss for the Master’s sake? The after gain will be an abundant recompense, for Egypt’s treasures are not to be compared with the glory to be revealed. Orpah is heard of no more; ir glorious and idolatrous pleasure, her life melts into the gloom of death; but Ruth lives in history and in heaven, for grace has placed her in the noble line whence sprung the King of kings. Blessed among women shall those be who for Christ’s sak-e can renounce all; but forgotten, and worse than forgotten, those be, who, in the hour of temptation, do violence to conscience, and turn back unto the world. 0 tha. this morni’g we may not be content with the form of devotion, which ma’ be no better than Orpah’s kiss! but may the Holy Spirit wor 11 in us a of our whole heart to our Lord Jesus.