that mercies and forgiveness, to the utmost extent of their necessities, still belonged to him, notwithstanding they had so grievously rebelled against him."]
In all of this we see, with most unquestionable evidence,
II. The concern which we should manifest for our own souls —
For our nation we ought most assuredly to feel as Daniel felt, and to act in their behalf as he acted8
And now that the time for the restoration
and conversion of the Jews is so near approaching, ought not we to make our supplication to God for
them in the very way that Daniel did ? I
hesitate not to say, that our obligation to seek their spiritual and eternal welfare is not a whit inferior to that by which Daniel was impelled to seek their temporal deliverance11.
The salvation of our souls is at all times, and under all circumstances, an object worthy to be sought with our whole hearts. Let me then urge upon you,
1. The study of the Scriptures in reference to the great work of redemption —
[Daniel, though immersed in business of the most im- portant nature, found time, yea, made time, for the study of God's blessed word ; and by study he ascertained the period fixed for the Jews' deliverance from bondage. And should not we, however occupied, find time for the study of the Scrip- tures, that we may know all that God has spoken respecting that infinitely greater deliverance, the redemption of our souls? The object of his inquiry was nothing in comparison of that to which our attention should be turned. Shall we, then, plead as an excuse, that we have not time? Shall any thing under heaven be suffered to stand in competition with that in which all the glory of God is displayed, and on which the everlasting salvation of our souls depends? I say, it is a shame that the sacred volume, which contains all these myste- ries, is so neglected by us, or so superficially and negligently
g This idea should be opened at some length on a Fast-day, in reference to the particular state of the nation at the time.
h This, if it were preached on the subject of the Jews, must, of course, be greatly amplified ; if not, it may be altogether omitted.