The Pulpit Commentary — Daniel — Section 358

world wHh the nnprofitableneRs of ein; and prepares the w:w for the advent of the renl King of men. It is best, on the whole, that men should live i,-, communities and natio~s- beat,,on the whole, that some ?hould be r~lers and tome should be subjects; best that Goel s hancl should not appear ID the selection of earthly ruler~. "His way is in the sca.n II. WAn 18 TDE MOST PROMINENT FEATURE OJ' BECUl,AR HISTORY. Read what clmpters in secular history we choose, we find the uniform tale to be ambition war cli8aster, suffering. Man, when left alone by God, becomes his own deadly e~em/ all!l the enemy of tho human race, No greater proof can we have of the tuq,itud~ 11ncl malignancy of sin, than that furnished by the course of human history. Where• ever scope and opportunity have heen afforded for the exercise of human inclination . the outcome has been strife and mutual destruction. 'fo rule the world has been th~ 1 arrogant desire of many, and heedless have they been of the miseries of the human race, so long as one vain man may ride upon the wave of fortune. As a rule kincrs have been the curse of our globe. If succesRful in war, the appetite is whet'ted f~r further. en_terprise; if defeated, the spirit of revenge leaps up, at the first opportunity, to rcgarn I ta loss. Ill. IMPERIAL AMBITION 0RUBREB OUT THE BEST AFFECTIONS OJ' THE HUMAN SOUL, The noblest affection that bas survived man's fall is the parental-the love of a father for his children. Yet even this has been persistently trampled on-often trampled out-by the diabolic lust of power. The King of Egypt gives hi.• daughter in marriage to his hereditary foe, not because there was any tie of mutual affection, but solely to promote his ambitious policy. This was nothing less than the sacrifice of his own child to an evil spirit-to the baser lusts of his own depraved nature. On the altar of vain-glory, kings are wont to sacrifice natural affection, domestic peace, the Divine institution of marriage, connubial bliss, the welfare of children, yea, the lives of their own flesh and blood. No blacker biographies can be written than those of successful kings. One bad man has been an active spring of mischief for centuries afLer his decease. One unworthy king has been a fount of misery and wretchedness for a myriad families of men. If every private individual needs the restraining grace of God, tenfold more does a king. IV. ISRAEL IS THE CENTRAL OBJF.0T OF Goo's REllARD. It is a very unusual thincr for God to make known to men what is about to transpire in the world. As a rul:, this course would be full of hazard. It would tend to remove human responsibility. By such a plan, God might defeat his own ends. But God designed to show special favour unto Daniel. He generously conceded, in answer to prayer, what otherwise be would have withheld. Daniel was concerned about Israel's welfare. God was con- cerned about it also. One mind prevailed with God and with his servant; hence it was in accordance with God's plan to make known, in such a case, his will. The revelation which was vouchsafed respected Israel; for Israel's home lay midway between these kings of Egypt and Syria. Daniel was moved, not by a spirit of curiosity to learn what should happen elsewhere, but by a pure regard for bis country's weal. As a fact, well-certified in later history, this prophecy, being shown to Alex- ander the Great at Jerusalem, secured his favour and protection. In every age, Israel -the true Israel-is God's especial care. He that " toucbeth Israel, toucbetb the ~pple of his eye." 'l'he arms of Jehovah encircle the right,wus. Saith he," I will never leave thee; I will never forsake thee." V, SACI\ED PROPHECY AND SECULAR HISTORY CONFIRM EACH OTHER. All that is true in history, though written by the pen of sceptical men, is from God. He is the sole Author of truth. Hence we may not despise human learning, nor throw contempt upon honest researches into past history. Whatever in the world is true will prove, in the end, a confirmation of the ancient oracles. It is iuipossible that God can, in any way, contradict himself. If, for a moment, there should seem any discrepancy, we may rest in the tranquil assurance that further light will resolve all difficulty, and that apparent discord will only lead to richer harmony. Every item of prophecy in this chapter has found exact fulfilment. If, in some respects, the predictions of the angel seem obscure, they were as clear as it was proper to make them. The measure of obscurity is an additional proof of Divine wisdom; and, read in the light of later events, eveiy unprejudiced mind feels that such pre-announcements of national events could proceed from none other than the living Goll. If we are forced _to believe that 832 THE BOOK OF DANIEL. [oH. xt. l-4B,