The Pulpit Commentary — Esther — Section 14

small, and it lasted seven days. The close of the six months' feasting· with the nobles and governors, at which imperial affairs were probably discussed, was to be celebrated by u great flourish of kingly magnificence. The banquet to the capital was evidently the climax and crown of the rejoicings. 2. Special arrangements had to be made for the accommodation of so vast a crowd. These arrangements were on a most extravagant scale. We are dazzled by columns of marble, variously-coloured hang- ingR, couches and vessels of gold, and wine usually reserved for the ldng's use. Everything was done_" according to the state of the king." From these things we may learn- I. THAT VANITY WHEN INDULGED GROWS QUICKLY. Nothing will satisfy it. It ever cries for more. The sight of the king's "excellent majesty" by the governors of 127 provinces w·as something to remember, but it was not enough ; a whole city must be gathered to new and to be impressed by the royal grandeurs. II. THAT VANITY, AS IT GROWS, GETS WONDERFULLY BLIND. It loses all perception of its own folly, and it commits its follies as if others also were equally blind. It thus virtually loses the end on which its greed fastens. There are always eyes about it keen enough to penetrate its illusions, and hearts that form, if they do not express, a true judgment. III. THAT VANITY IS COSTLY. No expenditure was too great for the king to lavish in indulging and feeding his weakness. No thought of the sin of such waste entered his mind. No fear of possible straits in the future stayed his hand. It is likely that he possessed far more than sufficient treasure to meet the demands of the festive.I. But suppose it were so, that would not diminish the sin of perverting to vain uses a wealth which, if wisely applied, might have been helpful to beneficent ends. Money is a great power in the world either for good or for evil, and men are responsible to God for the use they make of it. Think of the good that may be done by it :-1. In assisting the poor. 2. In encouraging sound institutions of an educational and benevolent character. 3. In supporting Christian Churches with their attendant machineries. 4. In contributing to gospel missions among the heathen. IV. THAT VANITY IS DURDENSOME. The physical e.nd mental toil of the king must have been very trying during the long feast and its closing banquet. Yet what will not vanity endure to attain its object? In this it is like every other ungoverned lust-- greed of go.in, fleshly appetite, worldly ambition. If not under the grace of God, men will submit to greater hardships and burdens in pursuit of things that are sinful and disappointing than in the pursuit of what is necessary to true honour and happiness. 1. If the main burden of this great festival did not fall on the king, then it would fall on the king's servants. These would have a hard time of it. They would be held responsible for every failing or mishap. Despotic lords have little consideration for their servants, a.nd despotic mistresses too. Vanity is another name for self-love, which e.lwe.ys makes those who are in bondage to it indifferent to the claims of inferiors. 2. Apart from the king and his servants, a heavy burden would fall on the empire. Not immediately, perhaps, but soon. The attack of Greece involved the loss of myriads of lives and untold treasure. Families everywhere were plunged into mourning and desolation. The provinces were impoverished ; and e.s the king's exchequer had to be supplied, the people were ground down by heavy imposts. Vanity, when inordinately indulged, and especially by persons in power, becomes burdensome in numerous ways to many. V. THAT VANITY, apart from its consequences, IS A SIN AGAINST CONSCIENCE AND AGAINST Goo ; or, in other words, a violation of natural and revealed law. 1. Against conscience, or the law of nature. The moral sentiment of all ages, e.r.i~ the common verdict of living men, condemn a vain-glorying or self-conceited spmt as opposed to a jUBt estimate of self. Even the vain are quick to discov~r and condemn vanity in others. Humility is taught by the law of the nature.I conscience to be the proper he.bit of me.n in all circumstances. 2. Against Go~, or th~ law of ~a.d's word. The upliftings of the heart under vanity are at vanance with t~at D1vme revelation of righteousness and love by which all men are condemned as srnner~, and made dependent on the mercy that is offered in Christ. All self-glorying man!f~sts ignore.nee or forgetfulness of the true relation which the gospel reveals e.s subeistmg clt. r. 1-9.] TRE BOOK OF ESTHER 11