Expository Discourses

on the

Book of Ruth

by the late

Rev. T. N. Toller

with

A Preface

by the

Rev. Walter Scott

london:

john snow, 35, paternoster row.

1848

Preface

Though the book of Ruth forms but a small and perhaps it may be said, with regard to many persons, a comparatively neglected part of the word of God, it will be found richly to deserve the attention of the lover of antiquity, and of the student of human nature, as well as of the devout observer of Providence; for it contains facts of which it may well be said, “whoso is wise and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord” It exhibits an interesting picture of ancient manners and customs, as they existed in a country widely remote, and in circumstances very different from our own. It presents the workings and developements of human passions and affections, in difficult and trying situations; while it shows us how God renders the most common, and as they are often called, the most fortuitous circumstances, subservient to the accomplishment of his plans, in the rewarding of virtue and piety, in the fulfilment of prophecy, and even in raising up a Saviour for the world.

At the same time, viewed as a portion of the word of God, it must be owned that this book presents some difficulties to the student of the Scriptures. Infidels have founded some of their objections on its simple narrative. They have charged it with sanctioning craft and deceit, and licentious intercourse. These objections if not formally stated and answered, are effectually obviated in the following lectures; whilst the pictures which the book gives of ancient manners, and the lessons of piety which it teaches are presented in a clear and impressive light.

The amiable and excellent author of these lectures, thought very highly of the utility of expository discourses, as affording the preacher an opportunity of advancing many things well calculated to be highly useful to his hearers, but which could not well be introduced into sermons—as suggesting to his own mind many ideas which might not have occurred had he not studied the bible with a view to expound it to his people,—and as calculated to lead the hearers into a more extensive and accurate acquaintance with the Scriptures than they otherwise would have obtained, and thus enabling the preacher to present to his audience in the most useful and attractive way, the whole counsel of God. And all who have heard him will allow that his expository discourses were, as well as his sermons, highly interesting and instructive. Indeed, whether he preached, or expounded, he presented that, which is considered, the great desideratum of the present day, an earnest ministry. Probably no man that ever ascended a pulpit, possessed in a higher degree the ability to throw his soul into every sentence that he uttered. And this he did naturally, and it may be said, owing to his deep piety and fine feelings, necessarily, without any thing like bustle, ...