The Pulpit Commentary — Daniel — Section 217

trifles, much montmust we condemn the man who throws thoughtlessly away the lessons taught by history and experience. Whether we know it or not, we are respon- aible for the right use of the past, "A burnt child dreads the fire." A sensible navi- gator will avoid the hidden reefs on which former mariners have suffered shipwreck. H our father b&11 found a wiae and worthy friend, we shall be foola if we do not truat him too. II. 'l'BUE WISDOM IB SUPERIOR TO ALL PREJUDICE, Daniel had been elevated, for his virtuea, to the chief place among the magicians; and if, after the death of Nebuchad- nezzar, Daniel was con~igned to obscurity, we can attribute it to nothing else than llheer prejudice. He was a foreigner--of the number of the Jewish Cllptivos-there- fore whatever bis goodness or skill, he must be degraded. So prejudice robbed the king of an able and worthy statesman. But the wisdom of the queen advocated that the ser'l'ices _of thi_s inj~red J?&n shoul? again be sought. The oc~11sio1;1 wns precisely such a one m which _h)s s~1ll was pnceles~ N? matter what his origin, or nation- ality, or outward cond1t10n, if he have supenor wisdom or prudence, he is the man for the public exigency. There is a littleness and a meanness about prejudice that genuine wisdom cannot endure. III. TRUE WISDOM oAINS HER ENDS AT LAST. She has often to hide her head for a time, while Folly is jingling her bells and is making a blustering noise; but her occasion is sure to come. Her voice will prevail at last, and men will chide them- scl ves bitterly that they had not followed her counsels at an earlier day. Wisdom is always patient, because she knows that, sooner or later, her presence will be sought and her guidance followed. Belshazzar had "sown the wind; " now he was " reaping the whirlwind;" and, dismayed with the menacing atorm, be became a docile pupil of Wisdom. Without hesitation or delay, he sent for the counsellor whom he had long neglected, and confessed his need of the prophet's service. Even the king is dependent on bis subjects for a thousand things. Supercilious pride is the sure forerunner of disaster.-D. Vers. 17-29.-The "alue of a good man. The value to a community of a wise and good mrtn is not to be measured by ruuies. The safety, welfare, and happiness of society hang upon him. • L 'l'HE GOOD 1u.N's GENEROSITY OF KIND, Daniel does not refuse to come when sent for in haste by the king. He might have taken occasion, from the fright of the king, to remind him of past neglect. He might have accused the king of selfish incon- sistency, in that he had dishonoured Daniel in the days of kingly prosperity, but was prompt to use him in the hour of dire adversity. But Daniel was too noble a man on such an occasion to think of himself. He speaks not of his good services to the king's grandsire, nor mentions the ill requital he bad received. Nor will he permit the king to imagine that he is now moved to render fresh service by any prospect of reward. This veiy offer of royal reward had stung the mind of the prophet with pain. Pride and mercenary selfishneas were ingrained in the nature of the king, or he would not, on an occasion like this, have spoken of rewards. His vile, base nature could not appreciate the generous nature of his Jewish subject. Bo Daniel declined the king's proposal with high disdain. They who are employed in the service of God are con- tent with the rewards which their own Master gives. It would savour of treason if an ambassador from the British court should take the pay of a foreign empire. II. 'IHE GOOD 11.AN's RECOGNITION OF GoD. .An ambassador to G foreign court will be forward to present his credentials, and will take every public opportunity of maintainincr the rights of his sovereign. So, in the very preface of his address, Daniel requiret; rt:;ogaition of the ~upreme _authority of God. He_ reminds Bels~azzar of the JDajesty and glory an.d dom1010n. which Nebuchadnezzar enJoyed before him-a degree of power far superior to that wielded by Belshazzar-but even Nebuchadnezzar had been compelled to admit that this extensive sovereignty was but a grant from God-a trW1t delegated by the Most High. Even Nebuchadnezzar was but a vassal prince, and was required to bring his tribute to the supreme Monarch of the skies. To reject tue juri,;diction of God is contemptible folly and weakness. III. 'fB.E GOOD MAN'S FAITHFUL REPROOF FOB THE PAST. The effect of God's ju<lgwcmts on Nebuchadnezzar ought to have l,cen the exhibition of pious humility in  CR, V, 1-81.] THE BOOK OF' DANIEL. 183