The Pulpit Commentary — Esther — Section 24

Vere. ·13-20.-Counsel. The kmg of Persia had two bad counsellors wine and anger.. It showed so?le degree of comID:on-sense_ on ~i~ part that, instead of ucting upon impulse, he waited to ask the advice of his numsters, those privileged and trusted Ill:en who ~ere neare9! ~o. the thro_ne. If they had_ advised him well he might have av01ded makmg an exh1b1tion of his own folly to his people. But their plan was to fall in with the inclinations of their sovereign. This, whilst we must blame it, we cannot wonder at; for few dared to oppose the vain and imperious mono.robe of Persia. I. Goon COUNSEL SHOULD :BE SINCERE A.ND HONEST IN ITSELF. It sometimes happens that a person called upon for advice sees what it would be right to advise, but gives advice contrary to that which his judgment would approve. It is better to decline advising than to do this. II. Goon COUNSEL SHOULD :BE DISINTERESTED AS REGARDS THE GIVER. 1£ one advises so as to secure hie own interest at the expense of the friend who trusts and consults him, he acts with baseness, and deserves contempt. III. Goon COUNSEL SHOULD :BE FAITHFUL AS REGARDS THE RECEIVER. In advising the great, counsellors are too often guided by a desire to fall in with their inclina- tions, to flatter their pride and vanity, to minister to their lusts. Flatterers are bad counsellors, though by their flattery they may advance themselves. Their motto is, Miki placet, quu:qui.d regi, placet (that pleases me which pleases my lord, the king). IV. Goon COUNSEL SHOULD :BE APPROPRIATE A.ND TIMELY. Advice which is not to the point, or which is given when it is too late for it to be of use, is vain. How many a misguided youth has had reason to exclaim, Why was I not warned or directed while warning and direction might have been of use? Vers. 17, 18.-The influence of example. Where can be found a more striking proof of the general belief in the force of example than in this passage? The counsellors of the king of Persia were not men likely to be led away by their feelings or fancies. Yet they supposed that the conduct of one woman might influence the domestic demeanour and spirit and habits of the women of an empire throughout its 127 provinces I And they proposed to counteract the evil influence of Vaehti'e disobedience by a most unusual proceeding, by a stringent law affecting every house- hold throughout the realm I The conduct of the queen made the highest personages in the land unea.sy, and was thought capable of affecting the meanest and the most distant. I. EXAMPLE 1s ALWAYB INFLUENTIAL. Thie is owing to a principle in human nature. We are naturally social and imitative. The power of example over children is known to all. But no age is exempt from its action. Some persons live with the constant sense that their spirit and conduct will affect those of others. But if persons have no such sense, none the less is it true that their influence "tells." This ia the explanation of fashion-in manner, in speech, in social ueages, even in beliefs. None of us can say how much he is what he is through the influence of others' example. II. ElillPLE 1s INFLUENTIAL BOTH FOR GOOD AND EVIL. That we should influence and be influenced by example is a Divine arrangement. It works both ways; and to the action of example the cause of virtue and religion is immensely indebted; whilst the same principle explains the prevalence of error, vice, and sin. Let every hearer call to mind the influences to which he has been exposed, and trace up to them the position he occupies, as well as the character which has been formed in hiin. Thi, Ctt, I, 10-22.] THE BOOK OF ESTHER. 21