Dan. 6:1-5 We notice to the glory of God, that though Daniel was no very old, yet he was able for business, and had continued faithful to his religion. It is for the glory of God, when those who profes religion, conduct themselves so that their most watchful enemies ma find no occasion for blaming them, save only in the matters of their God, in which they walk according to their consciences.

Dan. 6:6-10 To forbid prayer for thirty days, is, for so long, to ro God of all the tribute he has from man, and to rob man of all the comfort he has in God. Does not every man's heart direct him, when in want or distress, to call upon God? We could not live a day withou God; and can men live thirty days without prayer? Yet it is to be feared that those who, without any decree forbidding them, present n hearty, serious petitions to God for more than thirty days together are far more numerous than those who serve him continually, with humble, thankful hearts. Persecuting laws are always made on fals pretences; but it does not become Christians to make bitter complaints or to indulge in revilings. It is good to have hours for prayer. Danie prayed openly and avowedly; and though a man of vast business, he di not think that would excuse him from daily exercises of devotion. Ho inexcusable are those who have but little to do in the world, yet wil not do thus much for their souls! In trying times we must take heed lest, under pretence of discretion, we are guilty of cowardice in the cause of God. All who throw away their souls, as those certainly d that live without prayer, even if it be to save their lives, at the en will be found to be fools. Nor did Daniel only pray, and not giv thanks, cutting off some part of the service to make the time of dange shorter; but he performed the whole. In a word, the duty of prayer is founded upon the sufficiency of God as an almighty Creator an Redeemer, and upon our wants as sinful creatures. To Christ we mus turn our eyes. Thither let the Christian look, thither let him pray, in this land of his captivity.

Dan. 6:11-17 It is no new thing for what is done faithfully, i conscience toward God, to be misrepresented as done obstinately, and i contempt of the civil powers. Through want of due thought, we often d that which afterwards, like Darius, we see cause a thousand times to wish undone again. Daniel, that venerable man, is brought as the viles of malefactors, and is thrown into the den of lions, to be devoured only for worshipping his God. No doubt the placing the stone wa ordered by the providence of God, that the miracle of Daniel' deliverance might appear more plain; and the king sealed it with his own signet, probably lest Daniel's enemies should kill him. Let u commit our lives and souls unto God, in well-doing. We cannot plac full confidence even in men whom we faithfully serve; but believer may, in all cases, be sure of the Divine favour and consolation.

Dan. 6:18-24 The best way to have a good night, is to keep a goo conscience. We are sure of what the king doubted, that the servants of the living God have a Master well able to protect them. See the powe of God over the fiercest creatures, and believe his power to restrai the roaring lion that goeth about continually seeking to devour. Danie was kept perfectly safe, because he believed in his God. Those wh boldly and cheerfully trust in God to protect them in the way of duty shall always find him a present help. Thus the righteous is delivere out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. The short triump of the wicked will end in their ruin.

Dan. 6:25-28 If we live in the fear of God, and walk according to tha rule, peace shall be upon us. The kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever, are the Lord's; but many are employed in making known his wonderful works to others, who themselves remain strangers to his saving grace. May we be doers, as well as believers of his word, leas at the last we should be found to have deceived ourselves __________________________________________________________________

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