all the host, and, with a sounding crash, the walls of Jerico lay low. Happy art thou, oh, Israel! who is like to thee, saith the holy Moses. Oh, people, saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and the sword of thy excellence-thy enemies shall be found liars unto thee, and thou shalt tread upon high places!'"

With mingled emotions of joy and sorrow, Naomi stood upon the shores of the Jordan. That stream, so

country, and she remembered the day when she had passed it with her husband and children-but now she returned old, poor, and lonely. Repressing these feelings, she plucked for Ruth the oleanders, myrtle, and tamarinds with which its borders were adorned, and pointed out to her notice the broken walls, and ruined fanes of Jerico; never to be rebuilt under pain of God's heavy curse. A dark spot were these gloomy ruins on the fair plains which stretched around it, rich with ripened harvest, and gay with anemonies and the famed rose of Jerico.

proselyte bounded with joy at the thought of being numbered with a people so favored by a powerful God, Naomi said "Nay, fall not into that error which has been fatal to so many of my tribe. Jehovah is a God of love, and has showered down blessings upon us, and has placed us in this lovely land, but presume not on thisforget not, my daughter, he is also a God of justice, and spares not his own, even his chosen, when they offend. That dark and mysterious lake which lies below us is an awful monument of his wrath. See, far ahead-celebrated in the history of her nation, told of home and around its waters spread-all that waste space was once a lovely valley decked with many a city and goodly palaces-now all destroyed by fire and rolling waves. Over its sombre, silent waters, never has vessel sailed or aught living passed; for, below, in its vast depths these cities lie, strewn with the bones of their guilty dead. Old men have said, in their young days, those few who have been bold enough to penetrate the deserts and barren rocks which bound its polluted shores, have, when the sun shone strong upon its surface, dimly seen columns and roofs and porticoes far beneath." Ruth clung to Naomi's side in silent dread. "Even A toilsome journey through hills and ravines, brought his servant, holy Moses, God spared not. Moses, his them in sight of Jerusalem. Then did the heart of the chosen leader of the Israelites, who so faithfully served aged Jewess bound with pride and joy, while directing him in the dreary wilderness, once failed in duty, and the eyes of the young stranger to that majestic mount of as a punishment, was not suffered to enter the land of marble and gold, glowing in the bright sun of Judeapromise. Daughter, seest thou yon dark mountain, and, used as Ruth was to the glorious palaces and cities dusky Nebo, upon whose top daylight is just breaking? of her own sunny Moab, she yet could not restrain an there Moses climbed and gazed upon the home of his exclamation of wonder and delight as this magnificent people, which he had so striven to reach, but which he city met her view. Refreshed by this sight, Naomi was never to enter; and upon that Jordan he was never pressed on with new vigor, and in a few hours tears of to pass. How he must then have mourned that weak-tenderness and grief were on her cheek, for she gazed upon her native Bethlehem. Their haven was attained. Yon green hill, clothed with rich groves of olive-trees, and crowned by graceful clusters of stately white build

ness which, after all his toils, gave to another the glory and victory. In the recesses of that mountain, great Moses laid him down and died." The God of Israel is a terrible God," whispered the ings, is indeed her home, but where were those whose awed Ruth.

"Only to those who err, my child. Were we but farther on our journey, I could point thee out the spot where the pure remnant of our tribe reaped their reward. Oh, could I have beheld them as they crossed Jordan! What a glorious sight, my child! At God's command, the waters parted-our priests led the way, bearing the holy ark of the covenant, which in turns they held in the river's bed until the people of Israel passed. There were the sons of Levi in their snowy robes the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh, armed for battle-the children of Issachar with their tents, and the sons of princely Joseph.

noble forms were at her side when ten years before she left these walls? The gate of Bethlehem was a noble structure, whose cool, deep arch was the favorite resort of the citizens, who met to talk over the news of the day, or gaze upon the strangers who passed through. There were clustered many of the friends of the bereaved widow, who gazed upon her with earnest eyes as she rode along. Time and sorrow had done much to change her, but she was known at last.

"Welcome, long

"Naomi! can it be !" they cried. lost Naomi-thy name speaks truly now, for pleasant art thou to our sight once more."

"Call me not Naomi, my friends," said the widowcall me Mara for bitterly hath the Lord dealt with me. I went out full, and the Lord brought me home empty. Why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?"

-

"A wondrous show, indeed, my mother." "And when we shall pass the Jordan's bank, I will point out the towers of ruined Jerico-what a glorious array was there, my daughter! How must the hearts of its people have sank within them when they beheld our numerous host-our glittering warriors and train of priests bearing the ark and other symbols of our religion! Seven days did that mighty host of Israel march in solemn silence around the devoted city; inviate her sorrowful lot. The years of famine and trouble silence unbroken save by the trumpet's warning note. The funeral march and death trump ceased not until the seventh day, when, one mighty shout went up from

Once more settled in her native home, the widow's humble calmness returned. Her friends were rejoiced to see her, and flocked around her, endeavoring to alle

which they had seen, left them little to give, but her own, and Ruth's industry, placed them above want. Without the city gate arose a lordly mansion sur

rounded by fields and groves. This belonged to Boaz, a rich man, and relative of Elimelech, the husband of Naomi; to whom, should they need succor, the widow determined to apply; but for the present, her humble wants were fully supplied. The time of barley harvest arrived, and Ruth observed her neighbors return every evening with grain gleaned from the fields aroundwhy should she not do the same, and thus add to the comforts of her mother-in-law? Filled with the thought, the next day she sought Naomi.

"Mother," she said, "I see my neighbors return each evening laden with corn; let me then go into the fields and glean after any one in whose eyes I shall find grace.' Go, my daughter," said Naomi, "and the Lord bless thy kind endeavors to lighten thy mother's lot!" With a light heart Ruth passed out the gate, happy in the hope of rendering her mother a service.

It was a glorious morning, and one moment she stopped to

gaze out upon the fair and extensive view spread be-
neath her. Over plain, hill and city, the morning sun
was glancing, but she sighed as her
eye fell upon the
gloomy waters of the Dead Sea, which lay darkly gleam
ing in the distance, for beyond its rocky shores arose
the hills of her own loved Moab. She turned hastily
away and sought the nearest farm. It chanced to be
the estate of Boaz, her husband's princely relative.
Already were the reapers hastening to their work, each
bearing a leathern bottle or gourd, filled with water, and
as they passed her each turned to gaze upon her love
liness. Inquiring for the overseer of the harvest, Ruth
proffered her humble request that she might glean in
the fields that day, which request, pleased with her
sweet gentleness, he granted.

tween them, yet left her home and friends to accompany her mother-in-law into a strange land, and since, hath been a daughter to her."

"Naomi! ah, I remember, word was brought me the widow of my kinsman, Elimelech, had returned, but the cares of the city and other matters, have driven it from my head. See to her well-let her glean among the reapers, for such piety deserves reward. Let her not follow the men for she is too lovely, but place her among my maidens." Ruth now approached, and Boaz called her to him. "Hearest thou, my daughter?" he said, "wander not about the fields, but glean here in mine, and keep fast to my maidens. When thou art athirst, ask the young men to draw for thee. I will speak to them that they serve thee well."

lordly master of the field, knelt at his feet, and bowed 'Ruth, grateful and surprised for this notice from the her head before him, saying, "How have I found grace in thine eyes that thou shouldst thus kindly notice a

stranger?"

"It hath been fully shown me, all thou hast done to Boaz-" and how thou hast left thy father and mother, thy mother-in-law, since the death of thy husband," said thou knewest not heretofore. The Lord recompense and the land of thy nativity, and art come into a people thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel under whose wings thou art come to trust."

The heart of the grateful Ruth swelled within her. said, "for thou hast comforted me, and has spoken "Let me always find favor in thy sight, my lord," she friendly unto thy handmaid, although I be not one of

thy maidens."

"Come hither at meal-time," said Boaz, kindly, "and eat of my bread and drink of our vinegar."

Soon after, the gates were thrown open, and Ruth, At midday the reapers all assembled to dinner, aclooking up from her work, beheld a stately man ap-companied by Boaz. Ruth was called, and was served proach. His tunic of the softest wool, his crimson silk girdle richly embroidered with gold and silver, and his mantle of the finest linen, proclaimed him a man of rank and wealth. It was Boaz, the owner of the farms. "The Lord be with you!" he said to the reapers as he passed "The Lord bless thee!" they answered him. Advancing to the overseer, he inquired into the state of the harvest, and merits of the reapers.

by the master of the farm, who gave her parched corn, bread and vinegar and water, sufficient. When Boaz departed, he gave Ruth into the care of the overseer, with a charge to the reapers to leave a little for her to glean as she followed. In the afternoon all departed, and Ruth with them. She had beaten out her gleanings, which amounted to an ephah of barley. Smilingly she showed this treasure to her mother-in-law, who,

"I see my orders have been obeyed, and ye have in surprise, exclaimed, “Truly, thou hast been successmany of the poor gleaning after you," he said.

"Aye, they know my lord's kindness," replied the overseer, "and flock hither in crowds. The praises of the generous Boaz are ever in their mouth."

66

ful, my daughter! where wroughtest thou, to-day? Blessed be he who thus favored thee."

"The name of the kind man in whose field I gleaned was Boaz," replied Ruth.

"Blessed be the Lord who hath not ceased his kind

Nay, give God the praise," said the pious Boaz. "I but obey his words given by his servant, Moses.-ness to the living and the dead!" cried Naomi. "The

'When ye reap the harvest of the land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest; thou shalt leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am the Lord your God,' he saith. But who is this lovely damsel who followeth the reapers."

"It is Ruth, the Moabitess, my lord; daughter-inlaw to Naomi, a pious and worthy young woman, who, although her husband was dead, and all ties broken be

man is a near kinsman to us, Ruth."

"He will extend his kindness," replied her daughter, "for he bid me continue with his people until the end of harvest."

"Keep, then, with his maidens, Ruth, and wander not in other fields. The Lord will reward thee, my child, for thy industry and piety."

The words of Ruth awakened a new hope in the aged widow's heart. A way was opened, she trusted, to

When Boaz became aware it was the lovely and vir

better the condition of the virtuous Ruth, and reward || therefore, thy skirt over me, for thou art the nearest kin her for all her kindness. She remembered the law of to my husband." Israel, which, when a man dies, obliges the next of kin to marry his widow, and raise up an heir for his broth-tuous Ruth who thus sought him as a husband, his heart er's name and estate. Naomi had never hoped the lofty warmed towards her, and his gratitude was great that Boaz would marry the humble Moabitess, as, if it were she should have preferred him, almost double her age, demanded, he could escape by paying the penalty; but to the many young men whom he knew admired her. now, his great kindness to Ruth had inclined her to think the beauty and virtue of her daughter-in-law had made an impression upon him, which would render him willing to accept her.

The repug

Her views were explained to Ruth, who agreed to follow the directions of her mother-in-law, as she at once saw how much service she could do to Naomi, should her wealthy kinsman take her to wife. nance she felt to banish her loved Mahlon from her heart and take another in his place, was not for a moment cherished; for, when the heroic Ruth resolved to leave her home and friends to comfort the declining years of her husband's mother, she inwardly vowed her own wishes should never be placed in opposition to those of Naomi.

"Our kinsman, Boaz, winnoweth barley, to-night, on "Wash thythe threshing-floor," said Naomi to Ruth. self, therefore, annoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee and get thee down to the floor; make not thyself known to him until he hath done eating and drinking; when he lieth down, mark the place, and when he is asleep, lift up the mantle which covers him and lie down at his feet under the cover. In our nation, it is a token thou claimest his fulfilment of the law, and his pro

tection."

"All that thou biddest me, I will do," said the obedient Ruth, "for on thy judgment I place implicit reliance.'

That evening Ruth took her way to the farm of Boaz. The threshing-floor was a large, even space in the field, surrounded by low walls and out-houses. It was now piled with grain, among which the reapers were busy, some driving oxen, others beating it out with a flail, or tossing it on high that the wind might blow away the chaff, while the grain fell in a heap on the ground. Boaz was there, directing and occasionally assisting his At nightfall they all partook of a feast together, When all were satisfied, they departed, some to their houses in the city, some to rest among the straw or under the large, spreading trees.

men.

master and men.

Boaz had eaten and drank, and his heart was merry thus feasting with his men, and being very weary, he threw himself upon a heap of straw, and spreading his large mantle over him, was soon asleep.

Ruth, who had concealed herself, now following her mother's directions, whom, she knew understood the customs of Israel well, came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. At midnight, Boaz, in turning himself, awoke, and discovered a woman at his feet-a woman who evidently had a claim upon him, for she had sought "Woman! who art the protection of his mantle.

thou!" he exclaimed in surprise and dread.
"I am Ruth, thy handmaid," she answered. "Spread,

not.

"Blessed be thou, my daughter," he said, "for thou hast shown more judgment and kindness in thy latter end than at the beginning, as thou followest not young men, whether poor or rich; and now, my daughter, fear I will do all thou requestest me, for I am thy near kinsman, and all the city dost know thou art a virtuous woman. Still, Ruth, there is a nearer kinsman than I, whom thou knowest not; tarry this night, and in the morning I will speak with him, and if he will perform unto thee a kinsman's part, and take thee to wife, it is well; let him do a kinsman's part according to law; but if he will not perform his duty to thee, then will I, as the Lord liveth! Lie down until morning." Ruth lay gently at her kinsman's feet until daybreak, when she gently arose to withdraw. Boaz, who was awake, called to her. "Hold out thy veil and take a measure of barley," he said. "Go not empty to thy mother-inlaw."

Her

Ruth was enveloped in a large linen wrapper, or veil, one end of which she held out, while her generous kinsman poured into it six measures of barley. Then, receiving his blessing, hastily returned home. mother was rejoiced at her success. quiet, my daughter, until thou find how this matter will turn out," she said, "for the man will not rest until he has finished the matter this day."

"Now remain

The hope of obtaining the beautiful and virtuous Ruth for his wife, so animated Boaz, that he took measures to have the business settled immediately. That day he appointed ten of the elders of Bethlehem to meet him at the city gate. It was the hour when he knew the other kinsman of Elimelech would pass. He had but just saluted the elders, and taken his seat, "Ho! turn aside, when Hezron, the kinsman, passed. Hezron, and sit down here," cried Boaz. He obeyed the call, knowing some business was to be transacted, and entering the gate, seated himself in front of Boaz and the elders. The former addressed him thus. “Naomi, who has just returned from the country of Moab, intends selling a lot of land which belonged to her husband, our kinsman Elimelech. Thou art nearest of kin, and I thought thou wouldst like to purchase it that it go not into a stranger's hand. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it, if not, I, as next of kin to thee, will purchase it!" Hezron, after thanking Boaz, declared himself willing to buy the lot of Naomi. Boaz had hoped he would not, but now added, "with this land goes an incumbrance, if I may so call it-for with it thou must take Ruth, the Moabitess, as this land was inherited by her husband, Mahlon, since dead; thou must take her to raise up an heir to Mahlon, to inherit this land according to our Jewish law."

"Nay, that I cannot do," said the kinsman, "lest 1

mar my own inheritance. I give thee my right as next| of kin, for I cannot redeem it."

Boaz willingly agreed to take the land and Ruth. In fulfilment of the law used on such occasions, he plucked off the shoe of Hezron, in token he took from him the inheritance, and turning towards the elders and people gathered around, said with a loud voice, "All ye assembled here, are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's and all Chilions, and all Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi; moreover, Ruth, the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his city. Ye are witnesses this day."

The elders and assembled people cried, "Yea, we are witnesses!"

When all were silent one of the elders spake in a solemn voice, "The Lord make the woman that is come into thy house, like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel; and do thou worthy in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem; and let thy house be like the house of Phazer of the seed which the Lord shall give thee of this young woman!"

Then did the aged heart of Naomi rejoice! Once more she hoped to see her children around her, and the joy of her youth renewed.

Ruth was married, and lived a long and happy life with her husband and her mother, for never was the aged Naomi forgotten, and all that wealth and affection could bestow, was lavished upon her.

The ardent wish of Naomi to behold a child of Ruth, and inheritor of Mahlon, was gratified, for a son was born to her. The neighbors of Naomi gathered around her to congratulate her. "Blessed be the Lord!" they said, “who hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. He shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and nourisher of thy old age; for thy daughter-in-law, who loveth thee, and who is better to thee than seven sons, hath borne him." Naomi took the child and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse to it. Thus did the virtuous Ruth reap the reward of her heroic sacrifice of home and country to solace the declining years of her aged, poor, and desolate mother. She partook of the promise to Abraham, and in her seed were all the nations of the earth blessed, for from her descendants sprang David, the king; and our blessed Savior, Jesus Christ. E. R. S.

Original.

A SCENE FROM A NEW TRAGEDY, ENTITLED THE CHRISTIAN SENATOR.

BY HENRY F. HARRINGTON.

WE are of the number, who trust in the theatre-and believe that it may be made a great and good institution-inciting to noble emulation of the pure doctrines it is capable of teaching. We believe its deformities to be grafts, not the natural growth-easily to be lopped off. The following is an extract from a tragedy, composed under such convictions.

ACT FIRST, SCENE SECOND.-Hall in the house of Marcellus. He is discovered sitting by a table, leaning his head upon his hand. Livia is reading to him from a scroll.

LIVIA. (Reading.)

"Then Brutus waved on high th' ensanguined blade,

Before the rapt and thronging multitudes.
As swelled his voice in heaven-born eloquence,
He pointed oft to fair Lucretia's corpse,
Bright Honor's sacrifice, that full in sight,
Bore dreadful witness 'gainst a tyrant race.
Assembled Rome in awe and wonder heard,
As 'twere the Sacred Oracle had spoke,
Or holy messenger from Jove Supreme.
Resistless impulse swayed th' impetuous throng;
A throne to dust was hurled, and Rome was free!"
Marcellus. (Starting suddenly up.) Oh, Brutus!
Brutus! In that elder time,

When murky darkness of tyrannic storm,
The dawning clouded of fair Liberty,
The scathing tempest, howling in its might
Through the wide forest, laid not all in waste.
Some giant trees bore up against the blast,
Bending, not broken! There were giant hearts,
Like fiery coursers chafing at the rein,
Impatient to break forth and feel them free!
A thousand echoes wakened at thy voice!
When thou didst speak thou wast a conqueror;
And from Rome's hills, rose Freedom's infant song!
Oh, wert thou now in Rome, that is not Rome,
Where tyrants swim in blood, and Roman's-nay—
Degenerate sons of those were Romans once,
Feel not their own infliction-where foul sin,

Stalks in each dwelling-place, its household god,
Where knavery is honor, and as erst
The war-scarred conqueror o'er Freedom's foes
Was crowned with laurel, chaplets now adorn
Th' incestuous murderer! Where to be held
In league with virtue is to be despised-
Oh, were thy patriot spirit in this Rome,
Thou wouldst be idiot ever!

Close the scroll,
My daughter; I can list no longer now.
Is't not the hour thou shouldst to Julia go,
This, near to nightfall?
Liv.

Mar.

'Tis the promised hour.

Yes, my daughter;

It was a beautiful thought of old, to ascribe divina- Shall I prepare to leave thee?
tion to the swan, because he welcomed death with his
sweetest song; foreseeing his happiness, and delighted || But first a word with thee. Thy father's eyes
with his release from life.

In far Hispania first op'd to light,