man did what was right in his own eyes,” her husband had deserted his people; and now on her return she was probably penniless, her inheritance sold until the year of jubilee, and she in her old age, unable by her own efforts to gain a subsistence.  The poor in Israel were not forlorn, but it required genuine humility on Ruth’s part, and a sincere love for her mother-in-law, to induce her to avail herself of the means provided.  She hesitated not.  It was “in the beginning of the barley harvest” that they came to Bethlehem, and as soon as they were settled, apparently in a small and humble tenement, she went forth to glean in some field after the reapers, not knowing how it would fare with her, but evidently feeling that all depended on her labors.  The meeting of the mother and daughter at the close of that important day is touching indeed.  The joy with which the aged Naomi greets her only solace, and the kind and motherly care with which she brings the remains of her own scanty meal, which she had laid aside, her eager questions, and Ruth’s cheerful replies as she lays down her burden and relates the pleasant events of the day—­what gratitude to God—­what dawning hopes—­what a delightful spirit of love appear through all!  And as days pass, how tenderly does Naomi watch over the interests of her child, and how remarkable is the deference to her wishes which ever animates Ruth.  Even in the matter of her marriage,—­a subject on which young people generally feel competent to judge for themselves,—­she is governed entirely by her mother’s directions.  “All that thou sayest unto me I will do.”  Said a young lady in our hearing, not long since, “When I am married I shall desire that my husband may have no father or mother.”  This is not an unusual wish, nor is it uttered in all cases lightly and without reason.  We know of a mother who would never consent that her only son should bring his wife to dwell under her roof, although she was entirely satisfied with his choice, and was constantly doing all in her power to promote their happiness.  What were her reasons?  She was a conscientious Christian and fond mother, but she would not risk their mutual happiness.  She felt herself unable to bear the test, and she was unwilling to subject her children to it.  Often do we hear expressions of pity bestowed on the young wife who is so “unfortunate” as to be compelled to live with her mother-in-law, and many are the sighs and nods and winks of gossip over the trials which some of their number endure from their sons’ wives.  Why is all this?  The supreme selfishness of our human nature must answer.  Having a common love for one object, the mother for her son, the wife for her husband, they should be bound by strong ties, and their mutual interests should produce mutual kindness and sympathy, and this would always be the case if each were governed by the spirit of the Gospel.  But alas! love of self rather than the pure love inculcated by Jesus Christ most often