Esther 4:14 For if you altogether hold your peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place… I. THAT THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGHEST GOOD OF MAN. This is shown — 1. In the advent of Christ for the world's salvation. 2. The spread of the gospel and the conversion of the Gentiles. 3. The restoration of peace between nations and the final destruction of slavery. II. THE HIGHEST GOOD OF MAN IS SECURED INDEPENDENTLY OF MAN'S INDIVIDUAL CONDUCT. The stream of human agency is like a river, ever flowing and ever changing. One drop in the stream cannot say, "When I am gone the channel will be dry." No sooner is room made than another follows, and the channel is ever full. So it is in the history of man. God's providence will secure workers. III. THAT MEN ARE PLACED BY GOD IN SUCH POSITIONS THAT THEY MAY SECURE FOR THEMSELVES THE HONOUR OF HELPING GOD IN HIS PROVIDENTIAL WORK. IV. IN NOT MAKING USE OF OUR PROVIDENTIAL POSITION WE EXPOSE OURSELVES TO FEARFUL EVILS. V. THAT IN MAKING USE OF OUR PROVIDENTIAL POSITIONS, WE SHALL REQUIRE SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS, AND SHALL HAVE THE SYMPATHY AND CO-OPERATION OF A HOLY UNIVERSE, AS WELL AS THE COMMENDATION AND BLESSING OF GOD. Notice — 1. That in doing our duty we show the possession of the highest and noblest moral qualities. (1) Duty done under the pressure of difficulty is done by faith in God, and is therefore a proof of piety. (2) Duty done in difficulty requires a self-sacrificing disposition. (3) Duty done amid difficulties requires consummate skill. (4) In doing duty no time should be lost. 2. That in doing our duty we have the help of a holy universe (Esther 6:1). (Evan Lewis.) Parallel Verses KJV: For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? |
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