INTRODUCTION.

"DANIEL was a descendant of the Kings of Judah. He is related to have been born at upper Bethoron, which was in the territory of Ephraim. He was carried away captive to Babylon, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, A. M. 3398; probably in the eighteenth, or twentieth year of his age; and on account of his birth, wisdom, and accomplishments, was selected to stand in the presence of Nebuchadnezzar; so that in him, and his companions, was fulfilled that prophecy, in which Isaiah declared to Hezekiah that his issue should be eunuchs in the palace of the King of Babylon"".

The character of Daniel is one of the most perfect recorded in the sacred Scriptures; for whether we consider him as a man, or as a Prophet and servant of the true God, or as a faithful minister to his prince, we shall find every thing to admire and esteem. In early life he was so renowned for his WISDOM, as to be held in the greatest estimation among men; for his wisdom was spoken of by way of proverb through all the East. And hence God, by Ezekiel (xxviii. 3.) "particularly upbraideth Ithobal, then King of Tyre, with the a Gray, p. 405. Ed. 5th.

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insolent and proud conceit, he had of his own knowledge and understanding, as if he were wiser than Daniel, and that there was no secret that could be hid from him which sheweth to how great an height the fame of Daniel's wisdom was at that time grown, since it now became spoken of by way of proverb through all the east. And yet...he could not at this time exceed six and thirty years". Josephus says, "Daniel having gained the universal esteem of a person highly in favour both with God and man, erected a stately fabric at Ecbatana, the Capital of Media; a work every way wonderful, as well for the structure and strength of it, as for the beauty. The Building is still to be seen, and looks as fresh and as firm at this instant, as if it had been finished but the day you first saw it: Whereas, it fares with other edifices as with human bodies, time wears them out and disfigures them ". Hence it is clear, that Daniel's wisdom was not confined to things divine and political, but reached also to arts and sciences, and particularly to Architecture. According to St. Jerom, this Building was erected, not at Ecbatana, but at Susa; For" the copies of Josephus that are now extant, do indeed place this building at Ecbatana, in Media, but St. Jerom, who gives us the same account of it, word for word, out of Josephus, and professeth so to do, placeth it in Susa, in Persia; which makes it plain, that the copy of Josephus, which he made use of, had it so, and it is most likely to have been the true reading. For Susą being within the Babylonish empire, the Scripture tells us that Daniel had sometimes his residence there,

b Prid v. i

p. 80.

c Jos. L. 10. c. 12.

and the common tradition of those parts hath been for many ages past, that Daniel died in that City, which is now called Tuster, and there they shew his monument even to this day." d

Nor was Daniel less eminent for his PIETY than his wisdom; his regard for his God was not to be shaken either by the allurements of a court, or the persecutions of his enemies. Ezekiel (xiv. 14.) ranks him with Noah and Job: of the former it is said ( Gen, vi. 9), "Noah was a just man, and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God;" And of the latter (Job, i. 1.), that he "was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil." And such also was Daniel's character; for he grew "to so great a perfection and eminency, in all righteousness, holiness, and piety of life, in the sight both of God and man, that he is by God himself, equalled with Noah and Job, and reckoned with these two to make up the three, who of all the Saints, that had till then, lived upon the earth, had the greatest power to prevail with God in their prayers for others. And yet he was then but a young man; for allowing him to be eighteen, when he was carried away to Babylon, among other children, to be there educated and brought up

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for the service of the king...thirty two at this time must have been the utmost of his age. But he dedi'cated the prime and vigour of his life to the service of God, and that is the best time to make proficiency therein." No fear of death could prevent Daniel from rendering to God the duty of prayer and thanksgiving: ́His enemies laid a snare, by which they hoped to des

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stroy him; but the fear of the lion's den availed not to prevent the discharge of his duty, for "he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime" ( Dan. vi. 10.) And the God whom he served shut the, mouths of the lions, preserved the life of his faithful servant, and proved his power to save and defend his people, under the greatest difficulties and persecutions.

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In Daniel we also see a real PATRIOT. Though removed from his own country at an early age, yet he was ever anxious for its welfare and happiness. The temple, the city, and the people of God lay near his heart; and, therefore, we find him, with such earnestness, seeking their deliverance from captivity, by prayer, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. The honours granted to him by various Monarchs, did not make him indifferent to his own people and country; nor did the distinction and fame which he acquired, lessen his humility, or make him forget the distress of others. He employed his influence at Court for the advantage of his nation; and he intercedes with God to have mercy upon the people of his covenant. He says, 66 'Now, therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy Servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake. O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name... O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name" ( Dan. ix. 17-19). No change of place or circumstances ever