Ruth 3

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. III.—It is often safest for young widows to marry. And it is the duty of parents to promote the settlement of their children in a comfortable marriage: for it is no small mercy when the married state fixes the affections at a rest, in which it is well with the parties. Dress and cleanliness are commendable, so far as they are calculated to engage proper affections. But in courtship and marriage there ought always to be a strict attention to the commands of God. It is not enough that we do no evil:—we must indulge ourselves in no appearance of it. But what an advantage is it when we have to do with such as have the deepest regard to our chastity and honour; who are disposed to think no evil, but to interpret our innocent familiarities in the best sense; and who, in matters of importance, will certainly be faithful and diligent! Yes, hopeful is the match which is made up in dependence on God and regard to the authority of parents. But we cannot be too ready to start at temptations, which steal softly upon us: nor too careful to remove every occasion from the envenomed tongue of slander. What is liable to be misinterpreted had best never be known. And, when we circumspectly proceed in the way of our duty, we may comfort our minds in the hope of God’s salvation in due time. 3 x This book and the following are denominated from the prophet SAMUEL, perhaps, because he wrote the first twenty-four chapters of this; at least, from his being the subject of much of it: and whatever relates to David, the subject of the other, is but the issue of his unction to the kingdom by Samuel. This book contains the history of at least eighty years, and exhibits an account (1.) Of Eli’s negligence, and the wickedness of his sons; with the terrible calamities occasioned by these to the Israelites, and even to the Philistines, who took captive the ark; ii.—vi. (2.) Of Samuel’s birth; education; call to be a prophet; deliverance and government of Israel; resignation of his government; and death; i. ii. iii. vii.—xii. xiii. xv. xvi. xix. xxv. (3.) Of the Israelites’ resolute demand of a king; and the instalment, prosperity, mal-administration, and unhappy end of Saul; viii.—xxvi. xxviii. xxxi. (4.) Of the unction of David to be king; his diverting of Saul when melancholy with his music; his conquest of Goliath; friendship with Jonathan; persecution by Saul; marriage with Michal the daughter of Saul, and with Abigail the widow of Nabal: his retreat into the land of the Philistines; discharge from their army; and his slaughter of the Amalekites who had burned Ziklag: xvi.—xxvii. xxix. xxx