Watchful solicitude.
It is observable that Mordecai did not remit his attention and care when his adopted daughter was taken into the royal palace. He still made it his daily business to ascertain her happiness and her prospects. Remark—
I. THAT THE YOUNG AND INEXPERIENCED NEED TO BE WATCHED WITH A ZEALOUS AND AFFECTIONATE CARE. NO person with any experience of human life can be ignorant of this necessity. How many young people have we known who have been ruined for want of vigilance, kindly interest, and wise counsels! It is cruelty to leave the fatherless and motherless beauty to the tender mercies of strangers—perhaps of the wicked.
II. SUCH VIGILANCE AND SOLICITUDE WILL HAVE AN EXCELLENT EFFECT UPON THOSE WHO ARE ITS OBJECTS. It is a protection to a young person to know that she is not forgotten by affectionate and anxious relatives. One who is abandoned by her kindred is very likely to be abandoned by all that is good. We are, all of us, the stronger for the sympathy and interest of those who love us.
III. WATCHFUL CARE MAY BE THE MEANS OF DEFEATING EVIL DESIGNS. It does not seem that, in Esther's case, there was any special reason of this kind for her guardian's vigilance. But in sinful society it may often happen that the protection of honourable and Christian friends may be the means of preserving the young in the paths of virtue and religion, c, We are members one of another;" and none should be unconcerned at his neighbour's danger, or unwilling to put forth an effort for his neighbour's safety and welfare.
Practical lessons:—
1. Are there none over whom we may watch, for their social happiness and for their spiritual good?
2. Are there not young people who are indifferent and ungrateful for the service of friendly regard and kindly watchfulness? This is a sin, indeed, of which they cannot too soon repent. By the prayers offered for you, and the tender watchfulness of which you are the objects, I entreat you to follow the ways of wisdom, which are ways of pleasantness and peace.