II.

How did the king pass the night; while Daniel was in the lion's den? chap. vi. 18.

Who do you think passed the happiest night, Darius or Daniel?

The king was in his palace, probably on a luxurious bed, in an apartment magnificently furnished, but he had no peace-he could not eat; he could not sleep-he could not listen to the sound of music. Daniel had no bed-he was in a dark den with wild beasts. Yet we may be very certain that his soul was in calm repose: a heavenly spirit was sent to guard him, and he was cheered by the beams of the divine presence.

What account do we read in the 23rd verse? Why was no manner of hurt," found upon

Daniel?

Faith in God then, rescued him from the jaws of death.

What answers to the prayers of Daniel, can you point out to me? [First read Dan. ix. 3—19; then ver. 20-23: and x. 11, 12.]

What is the endearing name given to Daniel? chap. ix. 23; x. 11, 19.

What prophecies were delivered by Daniel respecting our Saviour, and His Kingdom? See particularly Dan. ii. 34, 35, 44, 45; vii. 9–14; ix. 24-27; xii. 1-3, 7, 9-13.

What graces appear most eminent in Daniel's character?

[His temperance, purity, and simplicity in the midst of a corrupt court, chap. i. His fidelity in giving glory to God alone; ii. 28, 30. His humility under the honours bestowed upon him by three kings, ii. 48; v. 29; vi. 1–3; 24-28. His sincerity and uprightness in giving reproof, his disinterestedness, iv. 24-27; v. 17-23. His holy courage and adherence to God in the face of death itself, Dan. vi. His Faith, eminently manifested in his great trial. His habit of prayer-supplications for his people, and ardent desires for the honour of God in His city and sanctuary.]

What may we learn from the example of Daniel?

Though we are not in the court of Babylon, are we not in the midst of a corrupt world? [Rev. xviii. 4.]

If we resist its temptations, must we not be singular, or unlike others?

Ought we to regard this?

Daniel spoke the truth to Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar without fear, ought we ever to act or speak with insincerity?

Ought we to yield to selfish fear in our inter course with others?

These are sins very common in the communications of men with each other, so common that they are generally overlooked.

Daniel was in danger of death for his adherence to God, you may be called to endure sufferings in endeavouring to serve God: if you cannot endure light trials, how could you stand exposure to death?-Yet ought not Christians to suffer death, rather than dishonour Jesus Christ? Read Matt. x. 28, 32, 33; Mark viii. 35-38; 2 Tim. ii. 12; and Rev. xii. 11.

Daniel exercised faith in the time of danger: "he believed in his God:" do you not often doubt and fear, instead of wholly trusting in God?

What may you learn with respect to prayer, from Daniel's example?

Daniel was concerned in the affairs of a kingdom, he had a public and weighty employment, (ch. vi. 2, 3.) yet it was his custom to pray three times a day. Ask yourself "what is my habit?"

Daniel was not deterred from prayer even by the prospect of Death :-should we say we are too busy to pray, or fear reproach and suffering in following such a practice?

We noticed that Daniel prayed for his people, and for the sanctuary of God: what is the second petition in the Lord's prayer?

You should daily pray that God's kingdom may come; that it may come first in your own soul-and, that the kingdoms of this world may become "the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ."

We have considered several Scripture characters in the Old Testament; and we have observed quite sufficient to convince us how far we are from the holiness and devotedness to God, which His servants of old manifested.

These persons had not known the coming of Christ upon earth as we know it. They were not yet admitted to the full participation of the privileges of "the Kingdom of Heaven." They earnestly desired the fulfilment of the promises. (Matt. xiii. 17.) If, under the shadowy dispensation of the law, they so faithfully followed God, and "loved not their lives unto the death"-what ardent love should we testify, to whom the Redeemer is manifested, as the Word made flesh! How should we prove our love by adhering to His heavenly pre ́cepts, and by a close walk in His presence!

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is

in heaven.”

4

LESSONS

FOR

YOUNG PERSONS OF RIPER YEARS,

SERVANTS, &c.

AFFLICTION.

Who sends affliction?

Does God willingly afflict? What is said by Jeremiah, Lam. iii. 33 ?

Is there more than one kind of affliction?

There are various mental as well as bodily afflictions. This world is the scene of affliction. The death of those who are dear to us is afflictive; men are often a source of affliction to one another, by unkindness and injuries. During your passage through life, you will probably experience that there are various afflictions.*

*The Scriptures abound with accounts of affliction; many afflictions of which they speak, are also expressed by the word trial. The life of St. Paul was full of trials; but it is not here our object to consider the sufferings which the servants of Christ meet with in His cause; we are rather considering