is often much to blame : for it is but too true, that religious duties, as they are called, often induce a carelessness in those which are personal and domestic. But all this gives just occasion of offence ; and must be sedulously avoided by all who would maintain a consistent conduct, and adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.]
4. Firmness — [On this the enemies of Daniel especially relied. They gave him credit for piety ; and they believed that not even the terror of a den of lions would induce him to violate his conscience, and offend his God. In matters relating to the kingdom they could find no occasion against him : but, in what concerned the law of his God, they assured themselves that they should find the desired ground of accusation against him. In this they judged right. He not only would not withhold from God his accustomed sacrifices of prayer and praise, but he would not even appear to do so. He would not even shut his window ; lest he should, though in appear- ance only, give them a ground of triumph over him. He therefore persisted, as before, to worship God in his accustomed way, and publicly to avow his determined adherence to the dictates of reason and religion.
In this he affords to us an admirable example. We must expect " persecution from men, if we will live godly in Christ Jesus." No piety, no wisdom, no consistency, can disarm prejudice, or suppress the workings of envy. Rather, we must expect opposition in proportion as we make our light to shine before men. No one was ever so blameless as our blessed Lord ; yet no one Was ever persecuted with such general and unrelenting animosity. But our hearts must be fixed : we must be determined to sacrifice all that we have, not excepting even life itself, rather than dishonour God, or violate his com- mands. Persons in this respect should know beforehand where to find us, even in the path of duty : nor should the whole earth combined be able to turn us from it. This is the state to which we should all attain ; and, under circumstances of whatever kind, we should have that reply upon our lips, " Whether it be right to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye."]
This character approving itself to every considerate mind, let me,
II. Urge you all to the attainment of it —
Let me invite you to consider, 1. How it honours God — [Truly, such a conduct as Daniel's never was seen on earth, except amongst the servants of Jehovah. Nothing but