The Pulpit Commentary — Esther — Section 62

irrespective of tlie consequences. This heroism has itR type in Daniel ra.ther than in Esther; in Shndra.ch, Meshnch, nnd Abednego rather than in Mordecai. If you want to see the highest heroism, you need not gnze upon the battle-field, where men through the maddening excitement of the conflict, defy death at the cannon's m~utb, for there it cannot be found. Rather let your wondering eyes be directed to the martyr dying at the stake, to the pioneer of truth braving the scorn of the world, to the patient worker for the common good who toils in obscurity, and seeks no higher reward than the approval of his own conscience.-R. Vers. 21-23.-0onspiracy and.fidelity. I. THE INSECURITY OF A:-1Y POSITio:-1 THAT IS NOT WELL FOUNDED. The throne of a despot is like a house built on the sand, or like a city under which smoulder volcanic fires. There is no darker page in history than that which records the doings and sufferings of despotic rulers. It is in the nature of a.n autocratic rule, which subjects the liberty of multitudes to the will of one man, to breed discontents and plottings. When truth and justice are outraged, time only is required to vindicate and avenge them. The first and third Napoleons may be taken as illustrations in modem times. The present Czar of Russia is a just and merciful man, hut, occupying a false position, ruling a vast empire not through free institutions, but by personal will, his reign is troubled by the dark conspiracies which now create such fear and horror. The government of that country alone is secure where law and liberty go hand in hand together; where reverence for the throne is maintained by a strict regard for the rights of the people, and where the national constitution and the national life are based on principles that lie deep in the word of God. II. THE INSECURITY OF LIFE GENERALLY. The king of Persia's life hung by a very slender thread when the two traitors were conspiring. One blow, and all his grandeur would have faded under the dark shadows of death. But all life is insecure. Death has a myriad forms. None are free from it. A cold, a slip of the foot, a breath of unseen vapour may put out the living spark, and quench every earthly hope. A thought so solemn should lead all to take earnest care that their life-building is welt founded-built into that foundation of Christian truth and grace which cannot be moved. Christ in the heart conquers the fear of death, and turns the "last enemy " into a friend (John xi. 25, 26). Ill. THE VIRTUE OF FIDELITY. We cannot tell how Mordecai discovered the design of the conspirators. He may have been asked to join them, or he may have heard or seen enough to awaken suspicion and make him watchful. In any case, he was faithful to his trust, he was loyal to the king whom he served. In all the relationships of life there are attached responsibilities and duties to which we are bound before God and man to be faithful. Fidelity is due, for example, to our sovereign, our government, our country ; to our parents, our masters, our associates ; to our Church, our brethren in the faith, our God and Saviour. Treachery is a vile sin against God and man, and a grievous enemy to the heart that cherishes it. IV. FIDELITY ,HAS A GOOD ALLY IN WISDOM. It is a. delicate and dangerous matter to interfere with the dark plottings of unscrupulous men. One needs to be sure of his ground before he charges others with unfaithfulness of any kind. But Mordecai was as prudent as he was loyal ; a man of experience, of resource, and of self- reliance. He first made himself sure of the facts, and then by means of Esther secured that the plot should he quietly divulged, and that the two traitors should be seized before they had time to conceal evidence, or concoct a. defence which might deceive the king, and cover with shame their bold accuser. Charges against the virtue of men should never be lightly ma.de. A rash and impulsive fidelity may do more harm than good. A wise head works well with a. true heart. It is note- worthy that Esther showed a.t once her confidence in Mordecai's prudence, and her desire to gain for him the credit of his fidelity, in her " certifying the king ( of the plot) in Mordecai's name." V. FIDELITY BRINGS OPENINGS FOR GOOD SERVICE IN ALL R.A.NKS OR POSITION~. Mordecai was a humble man, yet, being faithful to present duty, a. time came when he could do, and therefore did, important service. It is wrong and foolish to despise llllY position, however lowly. A young man may a.t first occupy a post that is not  80 THE BOOK OF ESTHER. [CH. II. 19-28.