destruction thus appeared inevitable! A solemn fast was appointed, in the hope that by humbling themselves before him, the Almighty would appear for their relief; and it was at this critical period, that Mordecai sent the message to Esther, of which my text is a part. After declaring his firm persuasion, that if she refused to listen to their petition, deliverance would be granted to the Jewish nation from another quarter; he makes this striking appeal, "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" We may suppose him to have been deeply affected with the threatencd destruction of his people, and anxious to save them, if possible, from the impending ruin.

By a circumstance, which I shall have occasion particularly to notice, in the progress of this discourse, the decree was suddenly reversed, and life and liberty granted to the Jews; while those who had been the chief instruments in their intended fall, suffered in their stead; affording a striking example, not merely of the usual vicissitudes of human condition, but especially of the fate of those who seek the destruction of others. Well might the Psalmist say of such, They are fallen into the pit which they made, in the net which they hid, is their own foot taken."

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II. This narrative points out striking lessons of moral conduct.

There are three characters which more particularly claim our notice; namely, those of Esther, Mordecai, and Haman.

The character of Esther exhibits a fair example for imitation to the young, and especially to the female sex; and I wish it was generally placed in higher estimation. We here behold an acknowledged beauty, yet unconscious of it; a young female adorned with every accomplishment, and possessing the admiration of every one, excepting her own; suddenly raised from a cottage to a throne, yet no otherwise elated by the change, than as it increased her abilities of doing good; paying the same deference to the advice of her aged benefactor, as when she was wholly dependent on his bounty; feeling for the distress of her own people, and braving even the displeasure of the sovereign, in her endeavours to relieve them; acting, in short, in every respect worthy of her exalted station. The character of Esther (as far as it goes) is highly deserving of admiration. Such a character, supported and animated by christian principles, would reflect lasting honour on the

sex.

Let us now attend a little to the character of Mordecai. He is first introduced to our

notice as the protector of a deserted orphan. He had no riches to bestow, he occupied no post of honour or emolument, (he sat at the outer gate of the king's palace,) but his heart dictated his conduct, and he cherished his young charge with the kindness and affection of a parent. We may imagine his feelings, when he beheld this darling child seated on the throne. Doubtless, his joy on hearing of such an elevation, would be checked by his fears for her behaviour, when placed in so perilous a situation; and he would probably walk to and fro before the palace, for humility would prevent his seeking for admission, and eagerly inquire of all who passed by, some tidings of the conduct of the young queen. When the news of the fatal decree having been issued, reached the ears of this good man, he felt deeply for the miseries of his countrymen; and having fasted and prayed, he determined to solicit the interest of Esther in their behalf, and sent a message for this purpose, requesting her interference. The request was instantly granted, though at the hazard of her life. She dressed herself in her royal apparel, and ventured into the monarch's presence, though without the appointed sign, (that of holding out the sceptre,) death had been declared the punishment for such an intrusion; but the call of piety and

gratitude cannot be delayed, and Esther had already obtained so great an ascendency over Ahasuerus, that he no sooner saw her, than he stretched forth his sceptre, to encourage her to proceed, and not only listened to, but granted her petition.

We are now led to notice an incident, which places the character of Mordecai in a stronger light. Ahasuerus had raised to the dignity of prime minister, a man, whose depravity and wickedness rendered him totally unworthy of the office. To this man, Mordecai would not bow; though poor, he had the dignity of a man, and the religion of an Israelite; and he could not crouch to oppression, nor do homage to one, who, by iniquity and fraud, had risen to his exalted station. His noble mind shrunk as he approached, and he suffered him to pass the gate unnoticed by any token. of respect.

Painful it is to contrast the simplicity and virtue which shone in this excellent man, with the craft and subtlety which discover themselves in the conduct of Haman; but we must pursue the story, and attend for a few moments to his character.

Every human being is more or less under the dominion of some ruling passion. This discovers itself in society, by actions; in solitude, by the reflections it suggests. The ruling

passion of Haman was pride. He was raised, through the favour of the monarch, to the highest station which a subject could occupy; he was admitted to the most friendly intercourse with him; he had the keys of the kingdom, and no one could approach the sovereign but through his medium. He stood so high in favour with his royal master, that he was frequently admitted to partake of the banquet, when the king and Esther were alone; not a fourth person shared in the privilege. But, though surrounded with these accumulated honours, still he was not happy; he felt a void within, which the caresses of his sovereign failed to satisfy. And what could occasion this sensation? The neglect he daily experienced from the poor despised Jew, who sat at the king's gate; this corroded his heart, and destroyed his peace; and whenever he passed the palace gate, and beheld the unconcern with which Mordecai suffered him to go through, he returned home restless and discontented, nor could the remembrance of his greatness obliterate, or even soften, the impression, which the behaviour of this obscure individual had made upon his mind. His misery increased by reflection, till his wretchedness knew no bounds; so true is it, that though "the spirit of a man may sustain his natural infirmity,"