The Pulpit Commentary — Esther — Section 53

pure, honest, or merciful. 4. It certainly wati not a crown of imperishable material, of ancestral renown, or that could be reckoned upon to eit easy, or remain long on the he&d that now was to wear it. But amid much to detract from it, there are eome things to be remembered highly to the advantage of this crown. 1. The crown was one that was not sought with ambitious self-seeking. 2. It was one that did not come of mere hereditary succes- sion. 3. It was one-very rare indeed in this resptict-to the attainment of which moral, qualities did undoubtedly largely contribute. It was the more remarkable because those moral qualities had to make their way, and assert their influence, in the most unfavourable atmosphere, and the most unlikely circumstances. Had Esther ingratiat.ed herself ? But it was not the result of wiliness. Had she ingra• tiated herself? But it was not among the like-minded and the pure of heart. Had she ingratiated herself? It was actually, considering her distinguishing qualities, with the worst kind of character of all for her to go near-the ojficial character. Yet bribery had not done it, meretricious ways had not done it, insincerity had not done it, immorality had not done it. The force of simplicity, of contentment, of modesty, of refuse.I of superfluous ornament-positively these things had done it I It is evident that she was a pattern of goodness, after a sort not so commonly recognisable, with those who surrounded her, and with such as they, but which, streaming gently forth, made its radiance seen, felt, admired by some of the most unlikely. Esther's docile obedience to her guardian while she lived under his roof, her continued obedience to him after she had left it, her fidelity to the faith and hope of her people, her uncomplaining acceptance of a position decidedly humiliating to one of her race, in consideration of the captive adversity of her people, and still more of those objects which her cousin apparently, but which God really, would work for them by her-these things all bear witness to the deep heart of goodness that dwelt in her. Yet, granting all this, was it not a strange thing that she should so make her way, and "walk the queen," that they were all ready to designate her euch, and that he, with whom the choice and decision lay, at once did eo? Many a desirable crown has been won by methods most undesirable. This was an undesirable crown, won by methods full of real honour and grace. 4. It was a crown which God designed for the beud which it now reached. This is the best thing of all to be said 'ibout it. But for this, it would have nothing really to favour it; with this, it may claim all the rest as well The providence of God raised the crown, after first rais- ing the head of the bumble and meek to receive it. His providence had other ends in view, great and good and kind, for his people. And by the vicarious humiliation of this maiden he wrought great miracles and wonders. For her the outer ornament of such a crown, in alliance with such circumstances, could have had small attractions indeed. But viewed in this other aspect, the crown had in the highest sense the qualities of the "unfading," the "imperishable." And for the patient head that now wore it, it was the earnest of another of immortal" honour and glory."-B. Vers. 1-4. - Vain regrets. We observe here- I. A.N ABIDING MEMORY. The past cannot be wholly shut out from the present. The power of memory cleaves to the soul. The king" remembered Vashti." Time, which had appeased his wrath, had not destroyed the queen's image, or cast into oblivion the facts connected with her disgrace. The persons and things of the past continue to live in memory either to sweeten or embitter the life. We should lay up nothing in this storehouse but what will bear pleasant review. II. AN UNAVAILING REGRET. The narrative seems to indicate that as the king's anger against Vashti died out, his love for her returned. But, with other memories, that of the irrevocable decree came into his mind. Whatever hie regrets, they were in vain. It is a solemn thought that sine and wrongs once done cannot be undone. Even though bad decrees may be reversed, the evils they have wrought remain. How many through the follies of the present heap up regrets for the future I III. A STRANGE DEVICE. Of the plan suggested by the courtiers, it may be snid- 1. That it wae significant of the king's state of mind. It showed a perception of the feelings that troubled him. Such an appeal to his sensual nature could only be intended to drown a reviving atfection and troublesome re~ets. 2. That it was selfish en. n. 1-18. J THE BOOK OF ESTHER. 51