RUTH AND NAOMI.

Boaz was thus sleeping on his thrasn-
ing-floor, when Ruth approached him,
according to the instructions of her
mother-in-law, and placing herself at
his feet, drew part of his mantle over
her. When he awoke, and saw she
was there, he knew why she had come,
and told her to be of gcod cheer, and
fear not, for that he was pleased with
her conduct, and was willing to do
much for her sake; but, he said, there
was a man in the city who was still
more nearly related to her late hus-
band than himself, and who had taken
possession of his inheritance; and
therefore was bound, ry | the law, to
marry his widow. —

Now Boaz wished to marry Ruth

himself, but he could not do so, unless
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