Evening star., 1905-11-04

robed herself in apparel becoming
queen. assisted by those maids who
had known the secret OF her mis-
sion and had united with her in the
preparation. Leaving her APARTMENT she en-
tered the court and passed on until she
stood over against the kings house Gen.
turtes before, armed with a sling. it
youth went forth from the camp of Israel
10 meet Goliath. q Samuel. xvii:4S) The
poet and the painter have immortalized the
event. and after generations have beheld the
deed OF David and admired him Not less
brave was she who. unarmed, save by wo-
manly purity and grace, dared TO seek the
presence of the king. and artists have in
like manner recognized her noble deed. In
his throne. A word, look from him. and
her fate would be sealed. Another word or
deed and her suit would be gained.
THE FAVOR.-(Verse - Now let all
eyes pc turned on Ahasuerus and see what
he will do No one may say what influences
operated In his mind and heart as he gazed
upon The queen In the court. Was lac moved
by her appearance. by the beauty of her
face for which she had been selected?
Esther. ii:9) Did a feeling of chivalry
awake In him, such as comes to most men
at times in the presence of women? Did
he recall the recent decree secured by
Haman against the Jews and regret that
he had signed It? Did he consider that a
lovely woman bravely defying the laws OF
the court and placing her life in jeopardy
must have some worthy cause which he
od6lt W near llO ne IeHeCt tnat at
least the approach could have no evil de-
sign against him? Did the Holy Spirit
work In him to produce generous feelings?
What matters the answer to such questions.
The king looked upon Esther with favor, ex-
tender the golden scepter, and she drew
near and touched 1t
THE PROMISE.-(verse 81 The ex-
tended scepter signified that life was spared;
the touch of the scepter signtied that LIE
was conscrated to the king Nothing more
could be done to put the two in right
lations, sovereignty and subsection being
all that was demanded. But the king knew
that back of submission there was desire
and he was honored in an attempt to pre-
sent the desire. What was It? His in
quiry, addressed to the trembling queen,
must have assured her OF his kindly pur-
pose, as Immediately he promised that It
should be granted. Here was a large and
unexpected favor, a sufficient ground to
hope that the errand would be successful.
But the king went further as a guaranty
OF his sincere purpose. He generously Of
fered to grant whatever might be asked up
to the half of the kingdom-to divide his
possessions, retaining for himself as much
only as he gave. This form of speech,
common among orientaists mark vi:2D
was an extravagant utterance of good will
never observed
THE REFLECTIONS.-We have in
this lesson several important themes l.
See the dismal picture of society under alb
solute monarchy. The lives OF millions of
subjects in the keeping OF a king who
might put t. death one of his household
seeking their deliverance. 2 See the power
of one woman whose position gives her op-
portunity. 1t is probably true that duty is
presented to every person because of the
place he occupies, and that duty must be
met. g. See how a life may be crowned
with honor If consecrated to the service of
others In time of supreme danger. No per-
sonal case or present fattery may compare
In value with the applause of after time
given by those who contemplate heroic
deeds. T. The hearts of most men have
tender spots in which originate generous
impulses toward those engaged In a good
cause, and one may safely rely upon such
impulses. 3. The wicked designs of men
are generally overthrown and all good peo-
pie should unite to bring to naught the de-
vices Of the evil Union in goodness defeats
the works of darkness