his mind regaining its wonted calmness, he forgot his anger, and began to inquire for Vashti, the beautiful and beloved queen. But alas! the transactions of yesterday came over him as a dream when one awaketh; but what a fatal dream! He had banished her from his presence, and in an hour of madness had set his seal to the act. It was written among the laws of the Medes and Persians, that the queen Vashti come no more before the king, and the laws of the Medes and Persians could never be altered. The sacred writer gives us only an intimation of Ahasuerus' feelings upon this occasion; it is said, "he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her;" but

if, as we judge from other parts of the story, he possessed some of the milder traits of character, and had some regard to justice, how must the remembrance of the virtues of the queen have aggravated his own folly.

But God is the Judge; he putteth down one, and setteth up another (Ps. vii, 5, 7). The king's servants proposed an expedient to fill the place of the lamented Vashti. It was resolved, with his consent, to send out through all his dominions, and gather together to Shushan all the fair young virgins. Officers were appointed in all the provinces for this purpose. It is now that Esther, an orphan, but the adopted daughter of Mordecai, is brought forward. Her singular beauty attracted

the admiration of Hegai, the king's chamberlain, who had the charge of the women, and he appointed her the highest place in the house set apart for their reception. If, in addition to her native beauty, the wisdom, humility, and benevolence, which were so conspicuous in her after life, beamed forth in her countenance, it was no wonder she found favor with all who looked upon her. When her turn came to appear before the king, she asked no ornaments, such as were given to the Persian ladies, to heighten her beauty; but, accepting the apparel first offered her, came, according to commandment, into the presence of the king. She concealed the fact that she was born of Jewish parents, as

Mordecai had charged her; for they were still a despised people. "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight, more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti,” who three or four years before was banished from his presence. This joyful occasion was celebrated by a great feast, called Esther's Feast; the king also gave gifts, and granted various privileges in his dominions, that all might partake of his joy. Mordecai now sat in the king's gate, and it is said of Esther, that she obeyed him, even as when she was brought up with him.

"Oh, lovely princess, how goodness heightens beauty!"

And truly this singular humility, contrasted with her sudden and great elevation, was the brightest jewel in her

crown.

Providence so ordered it, that a conspiracy against the king's life was formed, about this time, by two of his chamberlains. It was discovered by Mordecai, and, through Esther, communicated to the king. The secret plot was brought to light, and the conspirators were put to death. This circumstance was recorded in the book of the chronicles of the king, and was probably soon forgotten. They saw not the secret hand that was moving all the wheels of this great empire. Who of all their magicians could have searched out the hidden wisdom by