714. DAN 6:5. THE CHARACTER GIVEN OF DANIEL BY HIS ENEMIES

Dan_6:5. The Character Given of Daniel by His Enemies

"Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God."’97Dan_6:5.

Of all the encomiums ever passed on man by his enemies, our text contains one of the most striking and illustrious.

Daniel was one of the lineal descendants of David, and one of the most eminent godly men of the Jewish dispensation. His character, as presented in the Scriptures, is not marred by one instance of conduct unworthy of his holy profession. He shines in Scripture as a brilliant holy star of the very first magnitude; yet his excellences did not exempt him from envy, hatred, and persecution. Exalted by God, and favored by men, we see how a base attempt is devised, if possible, to effect his ruin; Dan_6:1 to the text.

I do not now enter on the subsequent parts of his life.

Let us look at him in the light in which his enemies portray him; and,

Then let me show you the excellences of such a character; and,

Urge you to its attainment.

I. Let us look at Daniel in the light in which his enemies portray him.

And here let me notice, that the basis of his character was,

1. Sound religious principle.

He knew God’97adored him’97loved him. Gave him the faithful homage of his heart, and the consecrated energies of his life. Not a cold profession, not half-hearted, &c.; but fully devoted to God. Here was the foundation on which his excellent character rested. As the result of this, he was celebrated,

2. For the excellency of his spirit. Dan_6:3. His spirit was in unison with his religious principles. A noble, elevated spirit. Much depends on our spirit. An intelligent, kind, candid, and moderate spirit.

Now Daniel had this. A spirit that commended itself to all who knew him. He was distinguished,

3. For his conscientious self-denial.

Not a man of appetite’97not a flesh pamperer. A beautiful instance is given of this: see chap. Dan_1:3-4, and Dan_1:8.

Now here was an erect, hardy, self-denying servant of God, who could keep from his lips the sparkling wine-cup’97and deny himself the luxurious viands, &c.

Then observe,

4. His devoted patriotism.

His self-denial was grounded on this. He would not be rejoicing and feasting, while his countrymen were in exile and adversity. And during all the changes of his eventful life, he never forgat his nation, his people, and his God. An intelligent, moral, religious love of country, is the only true patriotism. With this, observe,

5. He was faithful in all his offices and duties.

He did not deceive those who had placed confidence in him. His high station he honorably fulfilled. Faithful to God, he was not less so to man; Dan_6:4, Dan_6:5.

He was prompt, constant, careful, and faithful. Such, then, was Daniel, even as conceded by his enemies.

Let me,

II. Show you the excellences of such a character.

Here, my task is most easy and light; for observe,

1. It is in harmony both with the laws of God and man.

God requires this to meet his claims,’97obedience and love to him. Then it is equally demanded as the essential element of morality between man and man.

2. It is the highest recommendation of religion.

Better than discussing the polemics of religion. Better than modes of worship. Here is holy principle’97here is unblamable practice. Here religious forms and its actings are in harmony. Faith is exhibited by the works,’97exemplification of Christ’s command,’97"Let your light so shine," &c. May I not add,

3. It is the only true source of solid peace and enjoyment to the mind.

Such a religion as Daniel’s we must possess, if we are to be really happy. Nothing else will suffice. With this righteousness, there will be peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Then it only remains,

III. That I urge it on your attainment. An unblamable conduct like this, we urge,

1. For its own sake.

Like its Author, it is all light’97all lovely’97all benevolent! This is the pearl of great price,’97The highest standard of excellence’97the true glory of man.

I urge it,

2. For the influence it will give you.

In your family’97shop’97neighborhood’97intercourse with the world, &c. In the church, and in fact, everywhere. It will give you moral power everywhere.

3. For the final felicity it will secure.

I do not overlook the present adversities, and opposition of ungodly men. See it in Daniel’s history, &c. Yet, hear Christ’s address’97"Seek ye first," &c. Hear the apostle, "Godliness is profitable," &c. And there are the rewards of eternity,’97the unfading crown of eternal life! &c.

In conclusion,

1. I urge this religious excellency on those who are not religious at present.

2. Its close imitation by all God’s people.

3. The provisions for its attainment are full and complete.

The word, the Spirit, and the means of grace.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS