c Acts ii. 37, 38, 46, 47. and xvi. 26—30, 34. d 1 Kings xxi. 27. e Acts viii. 24.
follows it; no godly sorrow is produced in the soul; no humiliation before God; no cries for mercy; no departure from iniquity. But, if we thus " harden ourselves against God, can we prosper ? " No : " he that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without a remedy."]
In reading this account, we cannot but observe,
1. The vanity of all earthly enjoyments —
[What can we conceive more gratifying to flesh and blood, than to be entertaining, as Belshazzar did, such multitudes of his nobles, together with all his wives and concubines? Yet, behold, how in an instant all his pleasure vanished, and was turned into insupportable agony of mind ! Nor is such a change uncommon : many in the midst of the most licentious scenes have been struck with horror, and made to anticipate their final doom : even a thought passing through the mind has been sufficient to cast a damp over the spirits, and to rob the soul of all its gaiety. What folly then to seek our happi- ness in things which are so unsatisfactory at best, and which may so speedily become an occasion of our more aggravated woe ! Let us remember, that all which the world can afford is " vanity and vexation of spirit." As for " laughter, it is mad ; and of mirth, it may be asked, What doeth it ? " Yea, even in " laughter, the soul is often sorrowful; and the end of all such mirth is heaviness."]
2. The comfort of a good conscience —
[Daniel was not alarmed, notwithstanding his life was in jeopardy, as well as the life of all who dwelt in Babylon. But Daniel enjoyed the testimony of a good conscience, and there- fore had confidence towards God. He knew that the enemy could only kill the body; and that the death of the body would translate his soul into the more immediate presence of his God. Thus Paul, when ready to be offered up a sacrifice, contemplated his departure with joy, assured, that the Lord, the righteous Judge, had prepared for him a never-fading crown of righteousness and glory. And Peter also, when on the very eve of expected martyrdom, and chained to two sol- diers, was sleeping as sweetly, as if he had known that God had decreed to liberate him from his prison. Such are the effects of peace with God, and peace in our own conscience. Let us but maintain " a conscience void of offence towards God and man," and nothing shall have power to disturb our rest. Assured that " nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus," we shall smile at all the storms that encompass us around, and " commit ourselves with confidence into the hands of a faithful Creator."]