Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-11-28
Ruth's Example.
ANN s. PARKER.

Ruth's Example.
1t is with delight that we peruse the
history of those whose lives are marked
with honor and distinction. But above
all we love to linger around those whose
loveliness and virtues are most vividly
pictured to our minds. Among the rec
ords of holy writ, brightest and most
beautiful, is that of Ruth. Let us follow
Ebimelech, her father-in-law, as he bade
adieu to his country to go into the land of
Moab, that he might there better provide
for their daily wants. His two sons be-
ing married and probably looking for
ward to many years of pleasure and hap
piness, when the hand of death was laid
upon them, and while in the full bloom
of youth their bright anticipations of fu-
ture glory and happiness were disappoint-
ed, and they ike their father were called
to part with scenes of earth and be con-
signed to the silent tomb, never again to
associate with these they so much loved.
Thus their wives were left widows, and
their mother with none to protect her in
her declining years as she goes forth into
a cold and Implying world.
While brooding over her sorrows she
is comforted with the thought that she
may revisit her native country, where
perhaps she will find one to cheer her
lonely hours and comfort her dropping
spirits. Her daughters-in-law, Ruth and
Orpah, were willing to leave their coun
try, home and friends, to accompany her
on her lonely journey, that they might
participate in her joys and sorrows and
thus support her declining years which
were fast wasting away beneath the
weight Of grief and solitude. She en-
deavored by every means in her power
to pursuade them to return to their IA
theirs house, where they might enjoy the
blessings and comforts of life, of which
otherwise they might be deprived. But
Ruth, who was ever kind and affectionate
and ready to lend helping hand to the
needy and destitute, would not be pre-
vailed upon to leave that aged and ven
Grated parent to wander on and beg her
bread, from door to door, without her
cheering presence; but replied to her
oft repeated requests. "Entreat me not
to leave thee or to return from following
after thee, fer whittier thou goest will
go, and where thou lodgest / will lodge
thy people shall be my people and thy
God my God. Where thou diest I will
die and there will be buried"
! What language could better express
the tender regard she cherished toward
that kind and faithful parent. She chose
rather to toll with her own hands to sup
1 ply their daily wants, than to think o.
her far away in strange land, withou
food or shelter, while she herself wa!
|, constantly surrounded with every bless
ing she could desire. How strikingly il
that character of filial affection which s,
prompted her to forsake what woulC
seem TO her her every comfort, for tn,
society and happiness of her she so ten
derly loved, but which proved her great
est blessing.
What example could be more worth,
of our imitation than that which was ex
hibited by the faithful and lovely Ruth
Never was she weary of her task or wish
ed herself back to her fathers house, bu
ever strove to make its pathway plain
for she thought the same hand that woulC
provide for one, would also provide fo
them both. Always might she be seer
manifesting that spirit Of christian benex
\ olence which was ever stamped on he
reputation. Her confidence in that all
? wise and overruling Providence which
promised long life and prosperity to al
who should honor their parents, rename,
unshaken.
SARAH A. DUTTox.
4 GA little son Of Mr.. ]. ID. Martin, Q