RUTH.
A Moabitess, widow of Mahlon, an Israelite, and one of the ancestors of our Saviour, lived, probably, in the days of Gideon. Being left a widow, she accompanied her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Judca, where she married Boaz, a wealthy Hebrew and a near relative of her late husband—and became the ancestress of David and of our Saviour. Her name signifies "full, or satisfied."
Her story, told at length in the eighth book of the Old Testament, is one of the most interesting in the Bible. Poetry and painting have exhausted their arts to illustrate her beautiful character; yet to the truthful simplicity of the inspired historian, the name of Ruth still owes its sweetest associations. Her example shows what woman can do, if she is true to the best impulses of her nature, and faithfully works in her mission, and waits the appointed time.