Dan. 5:1-9 Belshazzar bade defiance to the judgments of God. Mos historians consider that Cyrus then besieged Babylon. Security an sensuality are sad proofs of approaching ruin. That mirth is sinfu indeed, which profanes sacred things; and what are many of the song used at modern feasts better than the praises sung by the heathens to their gods! See how God struck terror upon Belshazzar and his lords God's written word is enough to put the proudest, boldest sinner in fright. What we see of God, the part of the hand that writes in the book of the creatures, and in the book of the Scriptures, should fil us with awful thoughts concerning that part which we do not see. I this be the finger of God, what is his arm when made bare? And what is He? The king's guilty conscience told him that he had no reason to expect any good news from heaven. God can, in a moment, make the hear of the stoutest sinner to tremble; and there needs no more than to le loose his own thoughts upon him; they will give him trouble enough. N bodily pain can equal the inward agony which sometimes seizes the sinner in the midst of mirth, carnal pleasures, and worldly pomp Sometimes terrors cause a man to flee to Christ for pardon and peace but many cry out for fear of wrath, who are not humbled for their sins and who seek relief by lying vanities. The ignorance and uncertaint concerning the Holy Scriptures, shown by many who call themselves wise only tend to drive sinners to despair, as the ignorance of these wis men did.

Dan. 5:10-17 Daniel was forgotten at court; he lived privately, and wa then ninety years of age. Many consult servants of God on curiou questions, or to explain difficult subjects, but without asking the way of salvation, or the path of duty. Daniel slighted the offer of reward He spoke to Belshazzar as to a condemned criminal. We should despis all the gifts and rewards this world can give, did we see, as we may be faith, its end hastening on; but let us do our duty in the world, an do it all the real service we can.

Dan. 5:18-31 Daniel reads Belshazzar's doom. He had not taken warnin by the judgments upon Nebuchadnezzar. And he had insulted God. Sinner are pleased with gods that neither see, nor hear, nor know; but the will be judged by One to whom all things are open. Daniel reads the sentence written on the wall. All this may well be applied to the doo of every sinner. At death, the sinner's days are numbered and finished after death is the judgment, when he will be weighed in the balance and found wanting; and after judgment the sinner will be cut asunder and given as a prey to the devil and his angels. While these thing were passing in the palace, it is considered that the army of Cyru entered the city; and when Belshazzar was slain, a general submissio followed. Soon will every impenitent sinner find the writing of God' word brought to pass upon him, whether he is weighed in the balance of the law as a self-righteous Pharisee, or in that of the gospel as painted hypocrite __________________________________________________________________

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