Esther 7

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VII.—God often strangely animates his enemies in power to encourage his people’s requests for favour. And a tender regard for natural life at stake makes us very earnest in supplicating deliverance: and surely then we ought to be much more earnest for the life of our own and others’ souls. The most ruinous and wicked projects are often laid to gratify men’s sinful lusts. And, though persecution of the people of God is not only impious, but even exceedingly detrimental to the state, where nothing can repair the loss of pious and industrious subjects, how often is it practised! Men are ready often to startle at the mention of that very wickedness to which they had given their consent! And sin generally becomes vexatious and burdensome at the last. That is often done thoughtlessly, with which, on a moment’s cool reflection, we cannot but be shocked. Many seem amazed at the wickedness of others, who overlook the same, or a greater, in themselves. And accomplices in guilt quickly become the bitterest enemies one to another. How dejected in adversity are those who were most proud in prosperity. The most insolent enemies of God’s people may quickly be glad to bow at their feet. And every motion creates suspicion against a man whose character is once proved infamous and abandoned. All hands will eagerly help down with falling courtiers; and the ruin of the wicked comes upon them in an instant! Yea, the enemies of God’s church are astonishingly taken in their own craftiness, and have their pride brought down, their persecution punished, and their mischief returned on their head