The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-12-06
Dec. z, 19O2-Ruth and Naomi-Ruth l.,
1922.
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THE sUNDAY-SCHOOLL LESSON.

FliroeIsch's exodus to Moab was i'll advised 1t
came of feeble faith and impotence. He could
not endure the hardness as good soldier. Inc
consequences were disastrous-three graves, three
widows!
Nidowhood is a pitiful condition at best. But
widowhood and poverty, and residence In a ior-
eign land. and childlessness, and an environment
of heathenism and the consciousness that all
is the consequence of ones SMITHS is the climax
Of Naomis woe.
Rut God and angels know that the solitary exile
widow il rich Her securities not of the
kind reported on Change. They do not huctuate
They are not ''watered," nor can they be hypoth-
ecated Naomis wealth is in herself; her char
acter is her capital 1t presently yields its rich
return.
In that confessedly trying relationship. the
mother-in-law, in scenes ever shifting to the
worse bereaved impoverished, estranged, Naomi
exhibited such traits of resignation, gentleness
and purity as to win the undying. dsinterested,
enrichng love OF Ruth.
On the border of Israel. Naomi put her new
found treasure to its last test. She threw the
love of Ruth into the crucibe. The gold was
found without trace of alloy The young Moab
itess was willing TO be expatriated and excom-
inundated To live life of toll and poverty. TO
be subject the soorn of bigoted Israeiites; to
surrender an Oriental woman's fondest hope her
al indispensable
the safe place of Observation-Disclosures love than
that has never been portrayed by poet or novel;
| list flo have gained such love was to have
acquired an incalculable fortune.
II was Ruths love of Naomi that directed her
steps 10 the harvest field 1t lightened the men
tai tasks of the CLEANER. 1t nerved her to endure
the rude familiarity of the harvest hands. IL
/ prompted her to CLEAN diligently.
II was Ruth's love of Naomi that prompted her
1rasr
| to the extreme. She lay down at Boaz's feet in
order that she might reinstate Naomi ir the
! spect of her kinsmen and countrymen, and Sc
/ cure her a shelter and support. In that she
was brave but not brazen. There was no amor
/ Gus passion in that act. She was avaiiing her.
! self of the only legay-instituted means of &C
complishing her laudable end.
/ We'll may that towering column against the
/ facade Of solomon's golden temple-symboI Of
! strength. beauty ard uprightness-bear the name
/ OF this BethIehemite prince, Boaz. His manly
self-restrant, his delicate considerateness, his
strict adherence to legal form. mark him the
valiant hero Judge, worthy the name he bears.
Family and in figure this sweet and oldeh
story portrays the Re6eemer and redemption.
The outcast pitiable and remedess state OF the
sinner: the riches of the Savior. His gentleness.
compassion, and might; the necessity of casting
ore,s self upon Him In simplicity and loving
|
II is this evangestic characteristics which lifts
il out OF the sphere of an amorous fiction and
gives this gem of idyl unimpeachabie
claim to its position in the sacred canon.
THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
II was -.out of the frying pan into the fire.
| that exchange OF Canaan for Moab. The one
| redeeming feature that the Hebrew family
| kept their faith. In return. Providence chast-
ened. guided and delivered.
| Naomi a revelation Of God to Ruth. She
recognized the supernatural source OF her traits,
| as well as their superlatiye loneliness. II a
| small thing 10 exchange Chemosh for Jehovah.
| since Naomi had made him so attractive.
| orpah stands for the haif-hearted Christian.
the undertaken Of the impossible, serving God and
mammon. 1t usually ends in going back 10
| Moab.
Ruth was steadfastly minded. She is a lovely
| example OF perseverance. She lost her life In
the complete remuneration OF Moab. She gained
II by her adoption in Israel To become an
| eestress OF the Messiah her exceeding great
| reward.
young Englishman is said 10 have sought his
fortune in California. leaving his fiancee behind
him. BY and by he sent ner nugget OF gold.
Anerward. Meeting with reverses and losing
health. he wrote TO her. generating her from