The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1905-09-27
Sunday-schoo1.
DANIEL IN THE Ions DEN.
Daniel vi. 1923:
Octocer 8, 1905.

AIAIN1GL lin III AIOlNS OGlN.
Octocer 8, 1905 Daniel VII 1923:
GOLDEN TENT
1.-THE angel of the Lord encampeth about them that
fear him and delivereth them psalm xxxiv 7.
NJ Dan. vi TO. Th.-Pas. xxxv. 10.
T.-Dan. vi. 1917. F.-Heb xi. 1910.
W.-Dan. vi. 1925. Sob. W 1927.
Sun.--Psa cxxiv IS.
In Daniels old age there came new king whom
the Bible calls Darius. Not yet has there been
found mention of him in the inscriptions of the
buried East. But we are not disturbed by this
fact, because lately the name of BelshaZZar has
been found. Darius may have been a Vice-roy,
under the great Cyrus, ruling the province of
Babyonia. Some think he Cyrus himself. He
found in the old Hebrew prophet excellent
shirt" and Daniel again called to high office.
The favor shown him by the king excited the
jealousy and enmity of the princes and wise
of Babylon They conspired to destroy him.
Their plan to persuade the king to issue
decree to the effect that for thirty days no one
should make a petition of any god or man except
of the king himself. They hattered the king by
ascribing to him divine honors. They knew
Daniels spirit and his unfailing fidelity to his
religion, and thought this certain way to lead
him into disobedience to the will of the king.
When the prophet knew that the decree had
been signed there question in his mind
to what he must do. He went at once, and
with the more alacrity, unto his God. He went
to his house, and his window opened towards
Jerusalem" That was a natural and beautiful
sentiment. 1t in Jerusalem that the Lord had
made His earthly dwelling place There He had
called His people to worship Him More than
half century Daniel had lived in Babylon, but
he had not fogotten Jerusalem. GAS he did afore-
time it not new thing He had been ac-
customed to pray. Three times a day was his
habit Morning and evening and at noon,' as
David said
1t was the conspiring princes expected "They
found Daniel praying and making supplications
before his God" At once they reported to the
king They reminded him of the decree and of
the penalty of disobedience the den of lions. When
the king assented, they declared that Daniel "of
the children of the captivity of Judah" was one
that regarded not the king, nor his decree, but
"maketh his petition three times a day. The
king found that he himself caught in a snare.
He displeased with himself that he had ever
made such a decree. All day long he labored to
find wav to deliver Daniel and yet not DESTROY
the ancient law At last the conspiracy tri-
umphed. They brought Daniel and cast him into
the den of lions. The king spent sleepless nieht
Early in the morning he came to the den. with
Iamentable voice. fearful and distressed, he
cried to Daniel: "Ts thy God whom thou servest
.continuallv''-the king himself bore witness of
Daniels nerseverance-" to deliver thee from
the lions?' And then came the strong cheerful
rnply: 80, king, live forever NV God has sent
His angel aud has shut the lions mouths, that
thew have not hurt me- etc
With great rejoicing the king commanded that
Daniel should be token from the den. And when
he was taken uD "No manner of hurt was found
uron him. because he believed in his God
The whole story is characteristic of the times
and of the court Of Babvlonia. There is no reason
whatever. to question the historical truth of the
narrative
Gwen down to old age" so His servant was the
object of Gods watchful care. "He was kept by
the power of God through faith unto salvation
There can be CONSPIRACY however strong, and
crafty which DESTROY the purpose of God.
Faith and prayer will keen faithful and
safe amid all temDtation, and all Derils. "Wher
a. mans ways please the Lord, He maketh ever
His enemies to be at peace with Him."