715. DAN 6:10. DANIEL PRAYING AS USUAL

Dan_6:10. Daniel Praying As Usual

"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber towards Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."’97Dan_6:10.

How often has it been verified that they who will live godly, shall suffer persecution! The way to the crown has been ever by the cross. In all ages, truth has had to be bought. A long train of facts fully illustrate, and confirm this. We might begin with Abel, and come down to the end of the Acts of the Apostles.

Our text contains one very striking instance of the moral integrity, and self-denial, and holy courage, of an eminently wise and good man.

Observe,

I. The writing referred to.

II. The course Daniel pursued. And,

III. The principles on which he acted.

I. The writing referred to. Now here are several things that must be noticed.

1. The envy of the presidents and princes. Dan_6:1-2, Dan_6:3, Dan_6:4.

But Daniel’s integrity thwarted them in their purposes of hatred. At length they are constrained to testify this; Dan_6:5. What a testimony! How honorable to Daniel, and the religion he avowed!

Notice,

2. The conspiracy formed.

They are determined to bring even the excellences of Daniel to bear on his overthrow; Dan_6:6, Dan_6:7. Here was the result of their diabolical plot. The king was against their design. And Daniel was walking on in the integrity of his heart.

3. The decree ratified.

Having persuaded Darius to assent to the decree being signed, they saw their whole scheme ready to effect their diabolical purpose. The signing of it rendered it irrevocable; Dan_6:12, last clause.

Here, then, Daniel was at once within the drag of their malevolent and ruinous net. It was soon revealed to Daniel, and he saw at once the perilous condition in which he was placed. He perceived the whole matter. Fidelity to God and conscience would necessarily involve the violation of the decree that had been signed.

Observe,

II. The course Daniel pursued.

Now, here let us just consider what he might have done.

(1.) He might have given up his religious profession altogether. How many have done this, rather than brave persecution, or lose worldly advantages! Or,

(2.) He might have satisfied himself with secret religious services. Cherished the inward spirit of piety. Prayed in private, &c.

(3.) He might have used means to avoid detection. Closed his window; or got a thick blind before it; or prayed during the night season.

But notice what he did do.

1. He prayed, and gave thanks as before.

No religion without these. One the breath of the soul, the other the fragrant incense of the spirit. Prayer and thanks. The one before the other. The two in company. Neither to be neglected,’97kept up, and on together.

2. He regarded these services as often as before.

Three times a day. Probably at sunrise, and noon, and sunset. Many pious Jews observed these seasons of devotion. Psa_55:17.

Now, constancy and frequency of prayer are most important. We need it. It is the time of spiritual refreshment. If the body requires three meals a day, should not we feed the soul as often? But the spirit of constant prayer is the main thing. "Praying always," &c. "Pray without ceasing," &c. Daniel attended to his devotional exercises as often as before, and at the usual seasons.

3. He regarded these services in the same place, and under the same circumstances as before.

He went into his house, and his windows being opened, &c., he directed his face towards Jerusalem, the Holy City, the once far favored residence of Deity. The place to which the Messiah should come, &c. See also 2Ch_6:36-38. His window was opened’97not for ostentation’97but, that there might be no intervening object between his eyes and the land of his love and religious devotedness. He "kneeled." A posture of body exceeding appropriate for devotional exercises; especially in the domestic circle, or in the secret chamber. And he did all this just as had been his wont and custom to do. Notice,

III. The principles on which he acted.

He exhibited,

1. An unfaltering, preeminent attachment to religious duty.

All duties are involved in religion. Duty to parents’97masters’97kings, &c. But if they come between God and us, God’s claims must be first. He must be obeyed, at all risks. Religion can yield nothing’97knows no compromise, &c.

He exhibited,

2. Unwavering faith in God.

He know God was supreme, and all-sufficient! He knew he was above all earthly creatures. Therefore he believed in God, and cast all his care upon him.’97Ventured to trust all he was, and all he had, to him. Oh, yes! it was strong living faith that operated and raised Daniel to this state of heroic resolution and constancy.

He exhibited,

3. A readiness to risk all for his soul’s salvation.

He feared not the disgrace of an earthly king. He feared not bodily suffering. Ha feared not a violent and cruel death. But he feared to grieve God’97to forsake the Most High’97to risk his soul’s salvation, by compromise, timidity, and submission to human authority, in matters of religion.

Learn,’97

1. The true and noble spirit of real piety.

2. The trials the godly may experience.

3. The course, by the Divine grace, they should pursue.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS