Course 1, Chapter 48: Preparation for the Messiah — History of Esther. (A. C. 460.)

1. What does the history of Esther show us?

The history of Esther shows us that God chose the monarchy of the Persians to prepare the way for the Messiah, by protecting the Jews, conducting them back into Judea, and maintaining them there notwithstanding all their enemies; to the end that our Lord should be born in Bethlehem, according to the oraclei of the prophets. 11*

126 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

2. How do you show this truth?

The Assyrians, having resolved to destroy ths Jewish people, whom they had been commissioned only to punish, lost all their power, and their empire passed into the hands of the Persians. The Persians were very favorable to the Jews, and all those who opposed the kind treatment of the Jews, fell victims to their own wickedness. Of this number was Am an.

3. What is the history of Aman?

Aman was the chief favorite of Assuerus, king of Persia. His pride was such that he wished every one to bend the knee in adoration to him whenever he passed. Mardochai, a Jew by birth, refused compliance, because his conscience forbade him to render to man a homage due to God alone. Aman resolved to avenge himself and to destroy the whole Jewish people.

4. Who saved them?

Esther, the wife of Assuerus, saved them. Shewas the niece of Mardochai; but Aman was not aware of this. She invited the king to come with Aman to a banquet which she had prepared. At the close of the banquet, the king demanded of the queen what it was she desired of him. Esther asked of him to come again the next day with Aman to her banquet.

5. What happened there?

The king at-ked Esther what it was she desired, and said to her, Although ihou ask tlte half of my kingdom, thou shalt have it. Esther replied: Give me my life for which I axk, and my people for which Irujuesl, for we are given up, J and my people, to be destroyed, io be ft/ain and to perish. The king, astonished, demanded who had dared to do such a thing. Esther replied: It is this Aman.

6. What did Assuerus do?

Assuerus ordered Aman to be hung on the very gibbet he had prepared for Mardochai. The order of the -king was executed. Mardochai became the prime

minister of Assuerus, and all the Jews were saved. They celebrated ever afterwards the day of their deliverance, by prayers, innocent festivities, and alms to the poor. It is thus our gratitude to God should be shown.