ual-m indedness. " Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit. 11 The first proof that a man is born again is the earnestness with which he inquires what he must do. Instances-the multitude on the day of Pentecost, the jailer at Philippi, Saul of Tarsus. The Church is described as a vineyard, for which God hires labourers, whom be rewards according to their services. The absence of works is therefore o. sure sign of the absence of spiritual life. What the Spirit said to each of the Churches of Asia was, " I know thy works." No real prosperity can co-exist with indifference and indo- lence. 3. 4n increa1Je of BinnerB saved. " Many of the people of the land became Jews." A most cBncluaive evidence of their thriving condition. .A spiritual, work- en. VIII. 1-17.] THE BOOK OF ESTHER.
ing Church exerts a power which attracts outsiders into its ranks. At the begin- ning of the apostolic age, when the disciples were in the fervour of their first Jove, it is recorded that II the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved.'' lt is the business of a Church to seek the Jost. This duty it owes to itself no l<lss than to the world. Without converts it must gradually decay, and ultimately die. It enjoys the highest success, therefore, only when multitudes of the perishing flock within its gates. II. THE OAUSES OIi' RELIGIOUS PROSPERITY. When possessed, to what is it due? When lost, how can it be recovered? 1. It is in one sense the work of God. It waR God who laid down the foundation of the Church. "Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a sure foundation : he that believeth shall not make haste." And not a single stone has been subsequently placed in the spiritual edifice without his co-operation. "Without me ye can do nothing." "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it." If we would have a revival, we must pray God to send down the Com- forter to "reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." 2. It is in another sense the work of man. The grandest triumphs of the gospel have been achieved by means of human instrumentality. The Protestant reformation, the Methodist revival, the evangelisation of Madagascar. Many ask, "What have we to do ? '' The answer depends upon the special circumstances of the inquirers. Some are able to preach the word, some to teach the young, some to visit the poor. If your Church be languishing, seek the cause among yourselves. Are you slumbering, inactive, prayerless ? III. THE EFFEOTS OF RELIGIOUS PROSPERITY. These are represented here as three- fold. 1. Joy. ." The Jews had joy and gladness." This is invariably the case; and what more natural? The released captive is glad, the victorious army is jubi- lant, the ffonrishing city is full of glee, and shall the Church be different? "When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing." It is said of the first disciples, after they bad witnessed our Lord's ascension, which was to them an earnest of the coming of his kingdom, that they II returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God." 2. Contentment. 11 A feast and a good day." With the luxuries they enjoyed they were abundantly satisfied. In religious revivals the means of grace, the services of the sanctuary, the ordinances of religion, are thoroughly appreciated. Duties which in stagnant seasons are a burden become a pleasure. Of the man who is "like a tree planted by the rivers of water," the Psalmist saith, 11 His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night." The prevalence of bitterness, strife, cmd unrest is a sign of spiritual poverty. Cattle bred in the fertile plains are generally in good condition ; cattle bred on the barren hills are not only lean, but grow immense horns. 3. Influence. "The fear of the Jews fell upon them." The power of the Jews was felt in the land, and they were respected accordingly. The world admires power; it is the weak, the puny, the pretentious that are held in contempt. When religion is despised, and its professors treated with scorn, it is time to inquire into the reason. May it not be due to the sentimental, emasculated caricature of godliness that is too frequently set up for the reality? Strong, robust Christian manliness commands the homage even of opponents. When the Church appears in her proper character-a pure, living, active Church-an astonished world asks, "Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? 11 -R.
EXPOSITION. §§ 17, 18. CHAPTER IX. The Jews of all the provinces, having ha.cl RESULT OF THE SECOND EDIOT: THE JEWS nmple time to prepare themselves, "gatherecl RESIST THEIR ENEMIES, AND EFFECT A themselves together in their cities," as the GREAT SLAUGHTER OF THEM, BUT DO NOT day fixed by the first edict approached (ver. LAY HAND .ON TilEIR GOODS (eh. ix. 1-16). 2), and made their arrangements. Their THE BOOK OF ESTHER. [en. rx. 1--8l!.