HOMILETICS. Ver. 1.-The wicked ea;alted. The temporary favourite of Ahasuerus was un- worthy of the position to which he was raised, and the power with which he was intrusted. History has preserved the record of no meaner, baser character than Haman. He was a man servile and cruel, who used his power for disgraceful pur- poses. Hie conduct towards all with whom he was connected was alike despicable. His history and fate may be taken by the moralist as a type of the exaltation and fall of the wicked. I. THE ARTS BY WHICH THE WICKED RISE. The oasest selfishness takes the guise and garb of loyalty. Flattery is the surest road to a monarch's favour. Corruption, unscrupulousness, desertion of friends, betrayal of associates, slander of rivals, these are the means by which many have risen to share the favour of a king, to preside over the movements of a court, to control the affairs of a nation. Here observe the too common weakness of kings and those born to greatness. II. THE TEMPORARY PROSPERITY WHICH THE WICKED ENJOY. Once in favour and in power, the world seems at their feet. They have influence with the sovereign; they are encompassed with the adulation of courtiers ; they exercise power, even arbitrary and unjust, over fellow-subjects; they are lifted up with pride. Ill. THE CERTAINTY OF THE FALL OF THE WICKED. From how great an elevation, and into what an abyss of misery and ruin, did Haman fall I The greater the height, the more calamitous and awful the headlong plunge. Sin rages and beats upon the shore. But above its hoarse roaring rises the voice of the All-wise and Almighty Disposer of events-" Hitherto shalt thou come, and no further, and here shall thy proud waves be stayed I " Practical lessons :-1. Be not envious at the prosperity of the wicked. The Psalmist seems to have been tempted to this childish and ignoble failing. He saw the wicked in great power, spreading himself like the green bay tree ; but when he 1Vent into the sanctuary of God, then understood he his end. 2. Be not dismayed at the spectacle of power in wicked hands. It cannot be for long. A righteous Providence will bring the devices of the wicked to nought. The greatest man is not omnipotent. " The Lord reigneth." He bringeth down the lofty from their seat, and exalteth those of low degree I
Vers. 1-6.-Foolish pride and wild resentment. The lesson of this portion of the narrative is one concerning human sin. In some places Scripture seems to depict the character and the conduct of sinners in such a way as to impress the mind of the reader with what is called " the exceeding sinfulness of sin." And what more natural and appropriate than such representations of human iniquity in a book which brings to us the remedy for the disease, and the liberation from the bondage, which afflict mankind? In the temper and conduct of Haman we recognise the fruits of man's sinful nature. I. Remark Haman's SINFUL PRIDE. It arose from his favour with the king, and from his position in the state, and was no doubt encouraged by the homage that was paid him by the courtiers and the people. His pride was hurt and mortified at the refusal of Mordecai to render him the honour he was accustomed to receive from all around. And the hurt was aggravated by the fact that the servants of the king observed the Jew's conduct, and reported to Haman bis marked discourtesy and insult. What made the matter worse was the obscure position and despised nationality of the single person who did him no reverence. II. Remark Haman's RESENTMENT. His pride was the occasion of his anger ; his anger stirred up purposes of revenge ;' his revenge took 1, wild. inhuman form. M.ordecai had transgressed the king's command, and his conduct bud been noticed by THE BOOK OF ESTHER. [CH. Ill 1-6.
the ki~g-:s serv,mts. And it was this which gave a colourable pretext for the fan,unte s wrathful counsels and plans of destruction. III. Remark the UTTER DISPROPORTION BETWEEN MoRDECAI 1S OFFENCE AND HAMAN'B PR?~Ol'ED REVENGE. A trivial slight was so laid to heart that it aroused u ferocious spmt, for the satisfaction of which no shedding of blood, no desolation of cities, could 1rnffice.. T?e great lesson to_ be _lea~ed from thi~ ~ightful picture of human depravity 1s the extent to which sm will lead the victim. If so hateful a vice as Pi:ide be en~ouraged, if so mean a p_urpose as one of revenge be fostered, to what frightful crimes may the wretched sinner be led ! There is one preventive anrl pre.. servative: "Let that mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus I "
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 1, 2.-Danger Qf quick success. I. A SUDDEN ADVANCEMENT. In a short time Haman was placed above all the princes. The officials of the court were commanded to give him reverence and worship. There seemed to be nothing which the infatuated king was able to refuse him. A quick rise to power, and one that would be envi~d. by m~ny I In most hearts there is a strong craving for rapid 1mccess. But 1t 1s a mistake to suppose that sudden or easy success is a benefit. For observe-I. Prosperity is better borne and enjoyed when it is the result of long and steady effort. It is a sweeter and more honourable possession when it comes as the reward of conscientious toil. 2. The self-denying labour which, a11 a rule, is necessary to prosperity is itself an incalculable benefit. It brings into healthy exercise the physical and mental endowments. It develops many manly qualities. II. AN INORDINATE CRAVING FOR QUICK ADVANCEMENT HAS A BAD EFFECT ON THE HEART. Some who never realise their desire continue to cherish it even against hope until the end. This is a cruel thirst, which dries up all the spring11 of happines11 and kindly good in the soul. It is an idolatry which hardens, wit.hers, embitters, and -which robs life of all that would make it noble and good and happy. Haste not to be rich. Haste not after any of the world's prizes. We should strive to preserve a worthy independence of mind end heart in connection with whatever end we may be working to achieve. III. SUDDEN PROSPERITIES ARE OFTEN BADLY OR DOUJITFULLY GAINED. The rise of Haman was not the result of admirable personal qualities, or of important 11ervice11 rendered to the state. From what ill recorded of him we are entitled to infer that the arts by which he won the king's favour were degrading both to himself and to the king. An atmosphere of suspicion gathers round all sudden and abnormal successes. They are not the rule amongst men who follow legitimate courses. It is a terrible folly to stake our all on anything the world can give. No wealth, or rank, or fame can compare with the treasure of God's friendship and love (Isa. xxxi.ii. 6 ; Matt. vi 19-21).-D.