ESTHER. 
Ill 
“ Their grief and sufferings were many, at the first; but they 
became happy, because they always called upon thy holy name 
in their miseries. Thou liftedst me up, and I became powerful. 
Thine enemies sought to destroy me, in the early times of my 
life ; but the shadow of thy hand was upon me, and covered me, 
as a tent, from their wicked purposes ! — Mordecai.” 
The following is a translation of the inscription carved round 
the sarcophagus of Esther the queen. 
“ I praise thee, O God, that thou hast created me! I know 
that my sins merit punishment, yet I hope for mercy at thy 
hands; for whenever I call upon thee, thou art with me ; thy 
holy presence secures me from all evil. 
“ My heart is at ease, and my fear of thee increases. My life 
became, through thy goodness, at the last full of peace. 
“ O God! do not shut my soul out from thy divine presence ! 
Those whom thou lovest, never feel the torments of hell. Lead 
me, O merciful Father, to the life of life; that I may be filled 
with the heavenly fruits of paradise! — Esther.” 
A corresponding sentiment to the substance of these inscrip¬ 
tions, may be found in the A. Book of Esther, in the prayer she 
puts up immediately before her entrance to the king to prefer 
her petition. 
“ Queen Esther laid away her glorious apparel, and put on 
the garments of anguish and mourning ; and instead of precious 
ointment, she covered her head with ashes. And she prayed 
unto the Lord God of Israel, saying, 0 my Lord, thou only 
art our King: help me, desolate woman, who hast no helper but 
thee. 0 Lord, give not thy sceptre unto them that be nothing; 
and let them not laugh at our fall; but turn their device upon 
themselves, and make him an example that hath begun this 
