Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-08-09

ESTHER PLEADING FOR HER LIFE.
I have chosen the book Of Esther for sub
jet today not only because IL is intensely in
tcresting in itself. but from the fact that it
deals with the heroism Of a woman. We study
about Moses, Elijah, jeremiah and all those good
men IN the Bible but once In a while II Is re-
freShing TO study about what woman has
DONE
The particular chapter I have chosen deals
before reed il, wish. for the sake OF -ue
with the pleading OF Esther for her people. but
connection, TO review briefly the preceding
chapters.
You REMEMBER there was n king, a mighty
king Abasuerus by name. but whom know best
In history by the shortened Greek title, Xerxes.
What meaning in that name How powerful
be was His military force consisted Of 1.5O0,-
Oc0 men and 1000 ships. He was proud. self
willed and reckless Sf human life. How reck-
bridges built across the Helespont, two of
them nearly mile long, but a storm destroyed
them and he was 50 angry that he had the ar
chitects Immediately executed.
One time he held a banquet, to which all
the princes OF his mighty kingdom were hidden
20 come. Il was long time of feasting,
ly six months One night amid these festivities,
the king. maddened by wine, sent for his queen,
Fashti, to appear before the princes TO show off
her royal beauty. Such a thing contrary
10 all Oriental etiquette and Vashu refused
Immediately the king sought some means Of
vengeance-she was depOsed. Then came an in
terval Of four years OF war-preparations, but
[ finally Abashuerus sought for another queen
Esther. poor, Jewish orphan was chosen. She
was The cousin OF Mordecai, who adopted her
at Ter fathers death. She was only girl u
years old we are told, but she was beautiful and
pleased the king.
Four or five years passed and then Haman
a f8vorite OF the king. became incensed with
her cousin Mordecai and succeeded IN obtaining
decree from the king that all Jews should
be put TO death. Great mourning and terrible
distress came upon the Jews all over the empire.
Mordeeai sent word TO Esther 1.-THE king was
aware OF any relationship existing between
them pleading with her TO save her people.
That does not sound as though 1t would require
any heroism on Esther's part until we think OF
the law, whoever shall come unto the king, in.
20 the inner courts, who is not called. there is
one law or his 20 put him to death. except
such 70 whom the king shall hold out the gold
en- soeptre. Esther IV-II-V-3.
Tie danger OF her mission having been re-
moved for the time being, she asks the king
seelasion from spies and to accomplish her pur-
pose. You remember her request to spare her
people was granted aud Haman was hanged.
How God made all things work together for
the good Of his people and what brave girl
Esther was to risk her life for them.
We cannot all be heroines In great things, but
the field Of heroism Is everywhere, In every
home and in every town. There are herOines
In the little things Of lfe-there are great
enemies 20 overcome In our own hearts To do
right when things go wrong, 70 stand alone for
principle, 20 turn from all gains. though Satan
spread out before one, before Christ In his
Temptations "all The kingdoms OF the world and
the glory Of them" Here Is the universal field
OF heroism. Haven't you heard girls say
haven't You yourselves thought Il wish I could
do more big things that amounted TO some
thing when perhaps that same day we have
not withheld our tempers when some members
OF the family irritated us, or we were very
selfish ell day, not doing a kind act for any
one. THAT reminds me OF a girl I know. One
time she resolved that every day she would
do five unselfish acts for others, acts that
would be a sacrifice OF will inclination on
her part. 1t is easy for 20 do things for
others where there is no sacrifice Of time or
trouble. It Is easy to give money for some
worthy purpose. but to really do pleasant some
thing for someone when we do not feel In
cllned 70 do. or know that II will not be ap-
preeiated is real heroism. That girl was sur
prised az the end OF the day to find that she
bad only done three things. The next day was
no better and the third day had not one thing
10 her credit. She had been cross and selfish.
But she persevered and today her character is
completely changed and the universal remark is
about her unselfishness.
Do you attempt to realize what are your
faults and treat them many enemies To
be overcome. praying 10 God that He viii help
you7 Isn't that field for heroism in ones
own life? know that you sgree with me that
Il is. Sincerity.
Y. ". c. A. GIRL.