The Pulpit Commentary — Daniel — Section 370

Ver. 8.-Btars of lhe Church. Though all godly men will be called to 6ternal life at the resurrection, a special honour is reserved for those who evince practical wisdom in spiritual fruitfulnes9, I. TRUE WISDOM IS BEEN IN SUCCESS DJ "TURNING MANY TO RIGHTEOUS):ES9." The wise and those who are th118 successful are plainly identified in the text. 1. True wisdom will choose this as the noblest work. Men have various aims, as pleasure, pecuniary gain, power, fame, rank, self-culture, etc. The noblest aim is to seek to do good to others, and the highe;,t good we can do is moral good. Hence the mission of the spiritual physician takes the first place nmong all vocations. It is the most Christ- like. The neglect of this work for the propagation of barren dogmas, the promotion of sectarian tenets, the extension of ecclesiastical influence, or the mere intellect,ml culture of theological notions, is a proof of folly. The wise man will see that the work of the Christian teacher is practical and spiritual rather than in~llectual and tl:eoretical. It is to persuade men to turn from sin to God and goodness (2 Cor. v. 20). 2. True wisdom is requisite for the successful e:ucution of this work. God has left this to be dependent on the zeal, energy, and wisdom of his Church (2 Cor. iv. 7). Wisdom is needed (1) to detect the real needs of men, for spiritual diagnosis; (2) to understand the spiritual truths of the gospel, in which are to be found the means of conversion to righteousness; and (8) to choose the right way of approaching, teaching, and persuad- ing men, that wise words may be spoken seasonably (Prov. xv. 23). This wisdom is a spiritual gift, which is to be sought in prayer (Jas. i. 5). II. THE WIBDOM wmcH lB SHOWN IN SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION TO BIGHTEOUSNESB WILL BE REWARDED WITH PECULIAR HONOUR, 1. Though all true Christians will te saved from ruin, and blessed with the heavenly inheritance, all will not be equally honoured. There will be differences of rank and honour in heaven (Luke ix. 17-19). 2. Though we shall not be received into heaven on account of our own desert, but through the free grace of God (Eph. ii. 8), our relative place and honour in heaven will be deter- mined according to our merits (Matt. v, 19). Indolent and selfish Christians must take a lower place than that of self-denying, diligent servants of Christ (1 Cor. iii. 14, 15). 3. The chief honour of heaven is reserved for those who have been wise in effecting the conversion of souls to righteousness. It is true that we are ultimately responsible for fidelity, not for success (R.,v. ii. 10). But failure often arises from nnfaithfulness. We have no excuse for not having the wisdom which is the free gift of God, and may be possessed by those who are humanly accounted foolish (1 Cor. i. 21-24). Successful missionary work receives especial honour, becl\1188 it requires the greatest self-sacrifice, faHh, zeal, and love; because it secures the most important good for mankind; and because it glorifies God supremely. 4. 'l'his honour consists in shining brightn::;s, as (1) I\ public recognition of worthy service; (2) the possession of t111e beauty and gladness of soul; (3) the means of still direct.fog and attracting others in the way of right (Matt. v. 16). Ver. 4.-Progressive knowledge of Scripture. The treatment of one of Daniel's prophecies which is here referred to may be applied to all the prophecies of tho Bible, and to the higher truths of Scripture generally. I. THERE ARE MYSTERIES IN .ALL REVELATION, "The words are shut up" and "the book is sealed." Revelation, while it clears up some mysteries, presents new ones. It is full of dark pbces, unfathomable depths, suggestions of eudle,s truths. 1. All is not clear, becnuso we cannot yet understand all ; if it were made more clea:, we might only misunderstand it nnd so fall into the error. Revolation is open to us only so far as we have capaci I y to receive it (Ps. cix. 18). 2. There is l\ Di Yine reserve, bec&use we aro not morally fit to use all truth (Matt. vii. 6). There are truths which  THE DOOK OF DANIEL. [on. :ut. 1-13.