The Pulpit Commentary — Esther — Section 48

indifferent and ungrateful for the service of friendly regard and kindly watchful- ness? Thie is a sin, indeed, of which they cannot too soon repent. By the prayers offered for you, and the tender watchfulness of which you are the objectH, I entreat you to follow the ways of wisdom, which are ways of pleasantness and peace. Ver. 15.-Favour with men. We read of Esther that II the maiden pleased'' the custodian, and that II she obtained kindness of him ; " that she "obtained favour in the eight of all them that looked upon her ; " that she "obtained grace and favour in ihe sight of the king more than all the virgins." Thus she obtained the influence which she used to so good and benevolent purpose in after years. !. THERE ARE CERTAIN QUALITIES BY WHICH THE FAVOUR OF OUR FELLOW-BEINGS IS GAINED. Natural endowments are the easiest passport to general favour. A hand- some presence, beautiful features, a winning voice, natural and graceful manners, all have great immediate influence with society generally. Genius and heroism, learning and accomplishments, birth and station, all these contribute to popularity. It seems a very easy thing for some persons to become general favourites ; yet many of the qualities which secure favour are the result of painstaking and study. In the case of Esther, her extreme beauty, and the simplicity and humility of her demeanour, and the modesty and integrity of her character, all contributed to make her the favourite of the king, and the court, and the people. II. GENERAL FAVOUR SECURES REMARKABLE INFLUENCE. Men will listen to the counsels or the requests of those who enjoy their affection and esteem. In all stations of life there are those who, being in favour, are therefore in power. Esther used the influence-which another in her position might have employed for selfish ends-for the public good. But had she not won esteem and confidence she would have been without the power to do the great service she rendered. III. THOSE WHO ENJOY FAVOUR WITH MEN ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS WISE EMPLOY• MENT. How often have kings' favourites used their influence for sordid and vile purposes I And how often is popularity prostituted to base ends I Like other "talents," the favour a Christian enjoys should be used for the promotion of the cause of righteousness and human happiness. For the employment of this, as of other sources of influence, men must give at last an account to God. Practical lessons :-1. The young should cultivate qualities and habits which may give them favour with men. There is a foolish notion that moroseness is usually associated with independence and integrity. But we have the Scriptural admoni- tion, Be courteous. And we read that the Lord Jesus "grew in favour with God and men." 2. Those who enjoy favour should endeavour, with watchfulness and prayer, to use the gift for the good of their fellow-men and the glory of God. Ver. 11.-Esther made queen. History records many strange vicissitudes of fortune. The beggar is raised from the dunghill to the palace; the wealthy is brought to poverty ; those once :flattered and caressed are forgotten or despised. In Scripture history the .Arab sheik becomes the father of nations ; the boy sold into bondage becomes the prime minister of the greatest of states ; the deserted babe becomes the mighty leader of a people ; the shepherd lad becomes the renowned king of Israel. .And Esther, the poor orphan, adopted by the despised Mordecai, becomes the successor to Vashti, and the queen of .Ahasuerus, king of Persia. I. We have in Esther's exaltation AN INSTANCE OF THE UNCERTAINTY AND MUTABILITY OF HUMAN LIIrl!:, Here how true it is that "nothing continueth in one stay I" As the ancients figuro.tively expressed it, "Fortune is ever turning her wheel." Wo, know that the band of a wise and overruling Providence is manifest to the eye of faith in all the changes which occur in human life. We should learn not to think too much of circumstances, but to seek in every state to be content, and to be ready to profit spiritually by all events, and to turn every position in which we are placed h1to an opportunity for serving and glorifying God. II. Elevation to a high position is AN Ell'FECTIVE TEST OIi' CHARACTER. There are .i!ome weak and worthless natures which cannot endure when put thus to the proof. Buch persons when raised to a lofty station forget, despise, or disown former friends. Other and nobler natures are benefited by promotion. Such persons retain kindly  46 THE BOOK OF ESTHER. (cu. 11. 1-18,