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CHAP. V. Esther, venturing uncalled before the king, is graciously receivking and Haman to a banquet, 1-5. Being again asked what day, 68. Haman, proud of this distinction, and elated by prosperity, is yet disquieted by Mordecai's neglect, and amidst vain-glorying complains of it to his friends and his wife, 9 -13. By their advice he erects a gallows for Mordecai's exe

ed; and, being encouraged to make her request, she invites the

was her request, she invites them to another banquet the next

cution the next morning, 14.

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OW it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

a 4:16. Matt. 27:64.

b 1:11. 8:15. Matt. 10:16. 11:8. 1 Pet. 3:3-5.

d

c 4:11. 6:4.

d 1 Kings 10:18-20. Luke 22: 30. Rev. 3.21.

complaint, the less liberty is allowed to complain. -But let us rejoice that the righteous Lord reigns, and upon a mercy-seat. To him we have access at all times: his golden sceptre is ever held forth to encourage our approach: we cannot come uncalled into his presence, when we plead the Savior's name; our danger consists in keeping at too great a distance, not in drawing too near: if he have taken us for the objects of his peculiar love, he will never cast us off; and it is our own fault if we have not daily access to him and communion with him. We never have any good reason to complain of his dispensations; though we have frequently cause to bemoan our afflictions, to deprecate the miseries to which we are exposed, and to appeal to him against our oppressors, persecutors, and tempters: and we are charged to present our daily petitions at his throne of grace, for the whole church of God and all the members of it, according to their several difficulties, trials, and services; as well as for the conversion and salvation of our fellow sinners. For this purpose, we should inquire concerning the state of our brethren, how they fare, and of the cause of God, how it prospers; that we may be directed in our prayers, and in our endeavors to serve the common cause by the due improvement of our talents. And if we be thus disposed, we shall seldom want opportunities of comforting the mourners, protecting the oppressed, or succoring those who are in tribulation or necessity.

V. 10-17.

As the enemies of the church are instigated by malice to be unwearied in mischief, surely we should be constrained by love to be as unwearied in doing good. But we are prone to shrink from perilous and self-denying services: and to think ourselves sufficiently excused for neglecting an opportunity of important usefulness, if we can truly say, that it would have been embraced at the hazard of liberty or life. Yet, as the disciples of him who laid down his life for us, we ought also, if properly called to it, "to lay down our lives for the brethren:" and no labor, loss, or suffering in the way, will justify us in neglecting the duty of our station. If then Christians, who are placed in exalted situations, shew a disposition to consult their own ease and safety rather than the public good, they should be plainly remonstrated with, and reminded that their interest and that of God's people are inseparable; that their enemies are the same; that he, who sinfully determines "to save his life, shall lose it;" that enlargement and deliverance will arise to the church of God from some quarter; that if they, from selfish motives, refuse the privilege of being his instruments, the honor will be given to others, and disgrace or ruin will

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2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden So Esther Sceptre that was in his hand. drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy 3 Then said the king unto her, & What request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

4 And Esther answered, 'If it seem good unto the king, let the king and

e Gen. 32:28. Neh. 1:11. Ps. 116:1. Prov. 21:1. Acts 7:10. 10:4.

f 4:11. 8:4.

g 6. 7:2. 9:12. 1 Kings 2:20. 3:5 Matt. 20:20-22. Luke 18:41. h 6. Mark 6:23. i 8. Prov. 29:11.

come upon them and theirs, for deserting the cause when the emergency called for their interposition; that Providence has raised them to their high stations, that they may serve God, and do good to mankind, and will they then neglect the opportunity which is presented to them? that, perhaps, this was the very service for which they were raised up; and it is preposterous to fear man in doing the evident will of God. Such remonstrances, when urged by men of consistent character, have a powerful effect, in exciting the timorous and reluctant to venture in a good cause.-Those, however, who are called to stand forth boldly in perilous services, have a right to demand the united prayers of all their brethren. And, in great emergencies and adversities especially, solemn seasons of fasting, humiliation, and prayer are peculiarly useful, to prepare the mind for expecting and receiving deliverance from the mercy of God, in a proper manner. -Believers may have fellowship with each other in the same duties, when not able to meet in the same place.-Those who stir up others to selfdenial should set the example of it; and a winning deportment, a pious conversation, and a holy life, will generally induce others to join us in seeking the Lord, wherever we are placed (Note, Acts 10:3-8, v. 7.) Having solemnly commended our souls and our cause to God, we may venture under his protection upon any ser vice, without distressing fear: we are perfectly safe, if he please to preserve us; and should we lose our lives in doing his will, that loss would be our greatest gain.-Indeed all dangers are trivial, compared to the danger of losing our souls. When this is apprehended, the trembling sinner is often as much afraid of casting himself, without reserve, upon the Lord's free mercy, as Esther was of coming before the king. But let him venture, as she did, with earnest prayers and supplications, saying, “If I perish, I perish," and he shall certainly succeed in the event. And as the cause of God will at last be triumphant, it is our highest interest cordially to adhere to it, whatever cross we may be required to endure.

NOTES.

CHAP. V. V. 1-3. Esther, having intrusted herself to the protection of God, and put on her royal apparel, ventured into the presence of the king; most probably before the conclusion of the solemn fast, and while the Jews were still engaged in prayer. Her conduct was contrary to the law of the Persians: but the king, by holding forth the golden sceptre, granted her a pardon; and by his subsequent inquiry and promise, relieved her anxiety and raised her expectations. ||(Marg. Ref.—Notes, Gen. 32:6-8,24-28. 33:4

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6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

7 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;

8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do "to-morrow as the king hath said.

sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.

11 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and "the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared, but myself; and to-morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.

13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.

b

14 Then said Zeresh his wife, and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to-morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to

9 Then went Haman forth that day, joyful, and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that P he stood not up, nor moved for him, be made. he was full of indignation against Mor-Heb. caused his friends to decai.

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Neh. 1:5-11. Prov. 21:1. Acts 9:3-6. 12:5-11.) -The apocryphal addition to this book, says, that at first the king frowned, and Esther fainted; and that God then put it into his heart to behave kindly towards her.

come.

s 6:13.

t 1:4. Gen. 31:1. Job 31:24,25.
Ps. 49:6,16,17. Is. 10:8. Jer.
9:23,24. Dan. 4:30. Mark 10:
24. Luke 12:19,20. 1Tim. 6:17.
u 9:7-10. Job 27:14,15. Hos.
9:13,14.

x 3:1.

y Job 8:12,13. 20:5-8. Ps. 37:
35,36. Prov. 7:22,23. 27:1.
Luke 21:34,35. 1 Thes. 5:3.
z 1 Kings 21:4-6. Job 18:4.

Ec. 1:2,14. Phil. 4:11.12.

a 2 Sam. 13.3-5. 1 Kings 21:7, 25. 2 Chr. 22:3,4. Mark 6:19 -24.

b 7:9.

Heb. tree.

e 3:8,&c. 6:4.

d 3:15. 1 Kings 21:7. Am. 6:4 -6. Rev. 11:10.

e 2 Sam. 16:21-23. 171–4. Mark 14:10,11. Acts 23:14,15. Rom. 1:32.

f 7:10. Ps. 7:13-16. 9:15. Prov. 1:18, 4:16. Rom. 3.15.

the exorbitant honors which he claimed: but now he "stood not up, nor moved for him," which, probably he had before done; for Haman's prodigious wickedness rendered him unworthy even of common respect. Mordecai would also shew V. 4. It appears probable, that Esther in- this base man, that, so far from abject submission tended to make a previous trial of the king's from dread of his cruel revenge, he had trusted disposition, before she presented her important his cause with God, and did not "fear what flesh petition, which could scarcely be granted with- could do to him." But Haman, though full of inout the immediate ruin of his principal favorite. dignant wrath, refrained himself for the present. It might also be improper to make her request-It seems that at the close of the solemn fast, before the king's attendants; and she meant to|| Mordecai had hasted to put off his sackcloth, and do it in the presence of Haman. The delay to be found in his place. (Notes, 1—3 2:21–23. likewise expressed her respect for the king, whom she reluctantly troubled, because the mat- V. 11, 12. Haman's wife and friends must have ter was urgent: and probably she well knew before known all the particulars of his prosperity: that blandishments, and the exhilaration of wine but he loved, it seems, to be talking on these suband feasting, disposed him to grant such petitions|jects; and the queen's invitation, which he supas he would otherwise have rejected. posed to spring from peculiar esteem and respect, was a recent distinction which greatly flattered his pride.

4:1,2.)

V.5-8. (Marg. Ref.) Whether Esther's courage failed her, or whether she had some good reason for this delay; the providential wisdom of God V. 13. The neglect of Mordecai, by Haman's was wonderfully manifested by it, as the event own confession, more than counterbalanced all sufficiently shews. There was also a singular his singular prosperity, and marred all his enjoy'providence of God in this matter, which so dis- ment. His proud heart rankled with malice and 'posed her mind, that the high honor the king be- impatience, because this Jew still lived, kept his 'stowed on Mordecai the next day, might fall out place, and refused to bow unto him. The destruc"between this and that, and make way for her pe- tion of the nation was determined on at a distant 'tition.... The Israelites were in great expecta- day; but he thirsted for Mordecai's blood, as an 'tion of the issue of this feasting, and hoped to see anticipation of that more complete revenge.'Haman suddenly cut off: but she was resolved to 'How small a matter will spoil all the satisfaction "turn their thoughts the right way, that is, from of those, who are arrived at the top of human fe'her unto God, looking for mercy from their heav-licity! Immense riches, glory, and honor, gave enly Father. Bp. Patrick and Targum quoted by him. (Notes, 6:)

V. 9, 10. Mordecai had before refused Haman

not Haman so much pleasure, as he felt pain from 'one man's disrespect.' Bp. Patrick.

V. 14. Zeresh and Haman's friends supposed,

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mediate disgrace and ruin. For "vanity and vexation" are at last the inventory of all sublunary things. All "availeth them nothing," while this is wanted, or the other wrong; a beloved child or friend is dead, or an enemy lives and prospers; while some are mounted higher themselves, and others refuse to render them the most servile flattery, and comply with their capricious and unreasonable demands. (Notes and P. O. 1 Kings 21:1-7.) Prosperity increases insolence and arrogance, which stir up envy and enmity, and pro

that being so deeply chagrined, he could not enjoy the royal banquet, if he did not previously gratify his malice by the death of Mordecai. They were confident, that at the first word the king would consent to Mordecai's execution; and they advised the immediate erection of a gibbet for that purpose, that no time might be lost: and, in order that all men might witness the death of him, who refused honor to the king's favorite, it must be more then twenty-five yards high! This cruel and foolish counsel was calculated to please Haman; and though night was approaching, the gal-voke affronts and opposition; and thus the most lows was immediately prepared: but little did he dream for whom it was erected. (Notes, 7:9,10. 9: 13,14.) The Jews were extremely troubled at the "sight of these gallows, and all cried to God in the "words of the Psalmist, 123:2. "Behold, as the eyes 'of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and 'as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mis'tress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, 'until that he have mercy upon us." Targum in Bp. Patrick. The text selected is apposite; ut the rest is the mere imagination of the writer.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. In those things which must be done, and which require great courage, needless delays should be avoided: and it is best to proceed when our affections are lively, and our faith in exercise.-Costly or royal apparel is not the Christian's ornament, and is utterly worthless when compared with wisdom and grace: yet, on some occasions and in some stations, it may and ought to be worn. (Notes, 1 Tim. 2:8-10. 1 Pet. 3:1-4.) But it is a most deplorable evil that inferior persons will ape the fashions, and emulate the expense, of their superiors: and thus they often injure their families and creditors, or lavish that which belongs to the poor; and at the same time expose their own weakness and folly.-The best method of prevailing with men, is first to prevail with God by earnest prayer; for he can dispose the heart of any prince or persecutor, to favor his people, as far as he pleases. Yet while we trust in his omnipo tent protection, we should be wise as well as courageous: and he will generally teach those who consult him, to conciliate men's affections by attention and respect, and to watch for favorable opportunities before they propose important matters. But, however largely men may profess or promise, it is best not to ask or expect too much from them.-A slight affront, which a humble man would scarcely notice, will torment a proud man even to madness, destroy all his comforts, and sometimes fill him with diabolical rage and misery. Vain-glorious men delight in boasting of the commendations, honors, and favors conferred on them; each new distinction gives a momentary gratification to their vanity; and they receive every attention, as a tribute to their merit, or as homage paid to their superior talents. They invite, and even hire men, to listen to their praises; and often glory most in those things, which tend to their im

envenomed resentments and termenting passions
are excited, and the fair edifice of fancied felicity
vanishes, like the enchanted castles of romantic
poets. May we then seek happiness in the favor
of God, in peace of conscience, and dominion
over our own spirits; and in cultivating that love,
which "suffereth long and is kind, ... envieth not,
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not be-
have itself unseemly, seeketh not her own; is not
easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in
iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all
things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, en-
dureth all things; and which never faileth," but
shall be perfected in the eternal felicity of heaven!
(Note, 1 Cor. 13:5—7.)

NOTES.

CHAP. VI. V. 1, 2. No reason is assigned why Ahasuerus was not able to sleep: but the Lord so ordered it, that sleep fled from him: (marg.) and instead of calling for the ministers of his pleasure to entertain him, he was disposed to examine the records of his kingdom! It does not appear, that he had any express intention, in having recourse to this extraordinary way of employing his sleepless hours, during the night: but the only wise God so appointed it. And he likewise so ordered it, that the reader opened the records in that part, in which Mordecai's important service was written! (Note, 2:21-23.) Had not this circumstance intervened, Haman no doubt would have prevailed in his request against Mordecai; and this would have been extremely unfavorable to the success of Esther's petition for her people, and against Haman. (Note, 5:14.)

V. 3. Instead of a reward, Mordecai, and all his people for his sake, were actually condemned to die! Probably some recompense had been intended: but so unassuming a person, who would not cringe and flatter, and who presented no requests for preferment, was soon forgotten by a mighty prince, surrounded by his courtiers and pleasures, and engrossed by a multiplicity of affairs. (Notes, Gen. 40:23. 1 Sam. 17:55-58. 2 Sam. 9:1. Ec. 9:13-18. Luke 17:11-19.)—'But 'there was a special Providence in it, that he went without a reward then, which procured it for him most opportunely at this time. It is not improbable, that, as Josephus saith, the history of some of his ancestors was read before they 'came to his reign; wherein was set down what

4 And the king said, 'Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. 5 And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.

6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man, whom the king delighteth to honor? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honor more than to myself?

7 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to

honor,

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most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honor, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honor.

10 Then the king said to Haman, m Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.

11 Then took Haman the appare and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor.

12 ¶ And Mordecai came again to the king's gate: but Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

13 And Haman told Zeresh his wife,

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to hang Mordecai was adjourned sine die; and he was constrained to become page to a man, comparatively obscure, whom he hated and contemn

'services men had done, and what preferment or 'gifts had been bestowed upon them; which mov'ed the king to ask, when they came to this story 'of Mordecai, what had been done for him.' Bp.ed above all other men on earth, while this extra

Patrick.

V. 4, 5. Haman came early to court, that he 'might gratify his revenge, and go with more 'pleasure to the banquet. This was another part 'of God's providence, to bring him so soon to 'court, when the king was thus disposed.' Bp. Patrick. Even Haman might not enter the inner court till called for. (Note, 4:11.)

ordinary honor was conferred on bim! Imagination itself cannot devise a more painful mortification. It cannot indeed be supposed, that Mordecai was greatly pleased with this unmeaning pageantry considered in itself, which would confer no solid advantage, but expose him to great envy: yet he probably considered it as a favorable presage of Esther's success, and of the deliverance V. 6-11. We may suppose, that Haman was of his people from their malicious enemies.-Some much pleased to be so speedily called into the learned inen think, that "the crown-royal" deking's chamber: but his request was prevented, notes an ornament by which the king's horse was by his advice being asked on a very different busi-distinguished; and not the crown which the king ness. Probably, the king was considering what || himself wore. good preferment was vacant, which might suit Mordecai, whom he should delight to honor and reward, as the preserver of his life: but he did not name the person; and Haman's thoughts were so engrossed about himself, that he could not think, the king would honor any one above him, or would delight to honor any one beside him.-His excessive vanity, ambition, presumption, and ostentation, as well as the emptiness of his worthless mind, are fully illustrated by the honors which he chose, supposing them intended for himself. He must, forsooth, have the use of the king's own royal robe, and horse, and crown; one of the most noble princes must be his page, and his herald; and by proclamation it was to be made known, what delight the king had in honoring him! Perhaps Ahasuerus understood his meaning, and was disgusted at his exorbitant pretensions: and while he peremptorily commanded him to do all this to "Mordecai the Jew," he could scarcely help remembering the edict, which Haman had obtained against that people. Haman, however, did not venture tr. object or demur; his request for leave 642]

V. 12. Mordecai, not elated with the honor which he had received, returned to his place and duty as if nothing had happened. (Notes, 1 Sam. 3:15. Prov. 27:21.) But Haman went home as a condemned criminal, dreading the consequences of this unexpected disaster. If Mordecai had been a person before unknown to Haman, it would have been no real degradation, to be employed in honoring him in this manner, as the preserver of the king's life; though his pride would have been mortified: but, as he was the man whom he mortally hated, and one of that nation whose destruction he had sought and confidently expected; he must conclude that this favor indicated the determined purpose of the king to prefer Mordecai; and consequently foreboded his own ruin. For in such a contest, there could be no alternative between victory and destruction. (Note, Prov. 25:8-10.) The contrast also, between the object of his so early coming to the king, to request permission to hang Mordecai, and the honor which he was in consequence compelled to do him, was in itself most dismaying. Hav

and all his friends, every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men, and Zeresh his wife, unto him, " If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.

14 And while they

t Gen. 41.8. Dan. 2:12.

u Gen. 40:19. 1 Sam. 28:19,20.

ing his head covered.]

7:8.

X

were yet talking

Dan 5:26-28. Zech. 12:2,3. x Job 16:2.

...

Marg. Ref. r.-Note,

V. 14. Haman, in the anguish of his heart, seems to have neglected his appointment; and doubtless he would willingly have been excused from the banquet, to which he had expected to go so cheerfully: (Note, 5:14.) but there was no alternative; he must attend, to hear his accusation, and the judgment in consequence awarded against him.

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guilty of the odious sin of ingratitude; but actually yield the superiority to the very man whom V. 13. "Haman told Zeresh his wife, and his they affect to despise: for he that confers, is alfriends," "who were waiting to hear what was be- ways superior to him who receives, an unmerited 'come of Mordecai, whom they advised to get and unrequited favor.-Those qualifications which 'hanged on the gallows, how cross every thing demand esteem, and those actions which merit a 'had fallen out to him that morning.' Bp. Patrick. reward, generally meet with neglect, if they do -The "wise men," here mentioned, seem to have not expose the possessors to ill treatment, in the been astrologers or magicians, whom he consulted circles of the great, and in the courts of kings.-on this occasion; and were probably the same The instruments of pleasure and amusement, who persons whom he had before consulted: (Marg. help them to forget their misery, and to waste Ref.-Note, 3:7.) and perhaps they pretended to their fleeting moments; the forward, the subtle, found their judgment on the principles of their and the artful; and those who can sacrifice conart, or to consult their oracles. Yet what had science, honor, and honesty, to wit, ingenuity, been observed of the contest between Haman and politeness, have hitherto always met with most and Mordecai, and the sudden and rapid falls of favor from the great. Let us then learn to serve court-favorites in absolute monarchies; as well as a Master, who will not let the least well-meant what they must have heard of the wonderful works service lose its reward.-And if any reader should of JEHOVAH in behalf of his people; were sufficient recollect, that nothing has been done to requite to convince them, that this unexpected turn was some benefactor who aided him many years ago, the forerunner of more fatal consequences. But let him not think that the obligation is out of date; they deduced no salutary counsel from these ap- but rather let him study how he may, effectually prehensions: and indeed their conclusions were and without further delay, do that which should entirely calculated to drive Haman to despair. have been done long since; and delight to honor (Notes, 1 Sam. 28:12-19.) His wife also concur- his benefactors, if he can render them no other red with them in opinion, that these were fatal recompense.-Pride, envy, and ambition are inomens; which was calculated still more to over- satiable; and every sinful passion grows more exwhelm him. orbitant by indulgence. When a man heartily idolizes his important self, he readily fancies that others equally admire him, and are disposed to do him all the honor which he foolishly longs after. If any one open his lips in commendation, doubtless he must be the object! if a favor be mentioned, it must be intended for him! if a preferment be vacant, who but he can be thought of to fill it, provided it be not beneath his acceptance!-But "before honor is humility, and a haughty spirit before a fall:" both God and man delight in rendering the mortification of proud worms proportioned to their ambition: and men of this character meet with many presages on earth of that everlasting contempt and misery which await them in another world, if not rescued from this diabolical vice. (Notes. Dan. 4:34-37. 5:18-28.) They who have flattered them in prosperity, will prove "miserable comforters" in the time of their distress: worldly pleasures will soon become tasteless, and even nauseous, to those who have a conscience burdened with guilt or appalled with terror: and even the wise men of this world have often foreseen the ruin of those, who engage in the unequal contest with the church of God.But the depth of the believer's distress is the seedtime of his joys; and every victory and comfort is to him an earnest of his final triumph and felicity. The honor, which the Father delights to confer upon his beloved Son, is a pledge of the security and salvation of all whom he represents, and who commit their cause into his hand. Their bitterest enemics shall promote, and be constrained to witness their exaltation; and to know, "what shall be done to the men whom the LORD delighteth to flat-honor;" and how much their "eternal weight of glory" exceeds the worthless, transient honors of the world: while the sight shall increase the anguish and despair of those, who expected to be gratified in effecting their misery and destruction.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. We are in every thing entirely dependent upon God; nor can the whole world purchase an hour's refreshing sleep, if he see good to withhold it: from him therefore we should seek this solace to our cares, and thank him for it when we have enjoyed it. But when, by any means he withholds sleep from us, it is of great importance to employ usefully our waking hours. The cares and duties of our station in society may properly occupy our reflection, to the exclusion of those thoughts that are vain and injurious: but it is best, when we can meditate upon God, and his works, his truths, his precepts, and promises; and when we can bless him for his mercies, and pour out our hearts before him in prayer. (Notes, Ps. 77:2-12.)-The providence of God superintends the most minute concerns of men. Those actions which are the result of caprice, and appear unaccountable, fall in with his wise and gracious purposes, and "not a sparrow falls to the ground without him."Gratitude even to man, though commended by all, is practised by very few indeed; and commonly least by those who have most in their power. Pride of rank and birth, a variety of pleasures and occupations, and the presence of agreeable terers, combine to induce neglect and forgetfulness of those, who have most faithfully and effectually served them; especially if obscure, modest, and unassuming. Yet thus they not only become

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