others concerning which there may exist some difference of opinion, that investigation may place in such a perspicuous light as to satisfy the mind in regard to the right and wrong. Thus, Bible teachings and doctrines come to us in that shape, they are differently understood by different persons, and are made a subject of exciting controversy. Study and research may settle these differences, and serve to harmonize conflicting opinions. Inquiry and examination may unfold to view what seemed occult and mysterious-and knowledge thereby may be made to take the place of incomprehension.

Perhaps it is a work of wisdom to reveal the truths of religion and of prophetic inspiration in such a light, as to admit of some difference of opinion in regard to their import. In this way, more attention is elicited in forming acquaintance with theology-more interest is excited in learning the purport of Divine communications, more gratification is experienced in acquir

ing a knowledge of truths revealed. But all that are important may be known by proper attention-as God would not speak unintelligibly. Daniel's prophecies are in many respects very definite-some of the particulars are noticed in a way not to be misunderstood. And though all seem to be so connected, and the time in which the incidents noticed are to be fulfiled so clearly stated, that their application for the most part might be readily comprehended, yet, there has been much speculation in the Christian Church respecting some of the particulars embodied in these predictions. Not, that any thing is so ambiguous as to allow different constructions-not that interpreters have undertaken to deceive for sinister and unworthy purposes. But from the circumstance, that the teachers in the church have been instructed to regard the Bible as a book containing truths and doctrines applicable to every age, and a history of the church, and of God's dealings with mankind through all coming time, ingenuity

has been severely taxed to find a remoteand foreign application to the Divine testimony. Invention has been much aided by the cabalistic, or spiritual mode of interpretation adopted by the Jews in an early day, and afterward by the Christian church, which opens a wide field of correspondences from which to make selections agreeably to pleasure or fancy.

Caprice, and prejudice, and passion sometimes have much to do in applying the testimony of the sacred writers. By this means Divine approbation is made to rest on favorite views and practices, and the curse of Heaven is denounced against proscribed opinions and doings.

In the rise and fall of empires, in the evacuation and replenishing of the earth by successive generations-in the changes and revolutions of States and Kingdomsin the scenes and circumstances of society -in the lives and history of particular individuals and parties, there will often be found such a striking similarity, that many

things appropriately applied to one, may by way of accommodation be happily applied to its correspondent.

In this way many of the sayings of the prophets are used in the New Testament Scriptures. They had originally an express and definite meaning. Afterward they are employed in an analogical sense, accommodated to a secondary application. It is to this cause that we are to attribute many plausible interpretations given to the ancient prophecies, especially those expressed in the highly figurative imagery of oriental metaphor.

People are often fond of the strange and marvellous; and in seeking for a knowledge of the truth contained in the Word of Revelation, are likely to look beyond the simple meaning of the sentiment or idea advanced to something more wonderful, more surprising, more worthy of the name of the Lord Almighty.

Daniel was a Jewish captive, and his prophecies are associated with scenes and

occurrences that were witnessed during what is called the Babylonish captivity of the Israelitish naton.

A part of the Book of Daniel is historical, and a part of it is prophetical. The historical narrates the overthrow of the Jews by Nebuchadnezzar-some of the remarkable incidents connected with the royal family at Babylon, and the history of his own experience. But little is said of the people among whom he resided, and over whom he was made, by singular providences, to exercise authority as the chief minister of State; nothing is related concerning the condition of his countrymen during their bondage, and what he says of himself relates chiefly to his appointments to the king's court, his fidelity to his religion,— the snares that were laid by envy for his ruin, his miraculous escapes,-and what related to his vision of prophecy, and the causes that elevated him to the high, official station he occupied in the ministry of government.