And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
What a striking evidence is here, in these two character's, of the wonderful difference between nature and grace. While both Orpah and Ruth felt the tender affections, and were melted at Naomi's discourse, with one it operated no further than the momentary impulse, but like the early cloud, or morning dew, Soon vanished away; with the other it fastened like a nail, in a sure place. And thus, Reader, is the effects of the blessed gospel of Jesus, in all the congregations where the word is preached every Lord's day. It may affect, it may strike the mind of all, and even carnal men, like the wayside hearers, may receive the word with seeming joy; but some, like Orpah, will kiss and depart; and others, like Ruth, without the kiss, will feel their souls cleaving unto it. So that the same word is to some a savour of' life unto life; and to others a savour of death unto death. Reader! it is a grand and important question, In which class are you found?