As one follows the life and times of Daniel in Babylon, many beautiful traits of character appear in him, a few of which we note. One thing is especially to be noticed:In every trial and difficulty he has the mind of God. In him is fairly illustrated, " The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant" (Ps. 25:14). His name implies this:and although given another which means Protected by Bel; he was ever true to his real name, My Judge is God.

It is said of him and his three companions, "God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom:and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams" (chap. 1:17).

As we follow him step by step through his eventful career, what an example he presents for the believer in this day! His separation from the world is complete; he was no shifter; he was not carried about with every wind of doctrine; his convictions were formed by the word of God, and were therefore firm; not like many now who allow themselves to be "spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit after the tradition of men" (Col. 2:8).

This made him a. man of purpose (chap, i:8); not one who drifts easily along with the company he happens to be in. True convictions develop conscience:he "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself," but be true to God and keep himself "unspotted from the world," as we read in'" James i:27. He was not a double-minded man who is unstable in all his ways (Jas. i:8).

Again he was a man of wisdom:"Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom" (chap. 2:14). How lovely is the wisdom which comes from above! It is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy " (Jas. 3:17).

He was a man of unfeigned faith:He goes to his companions and has them join him in asking mercies of the God of heaven (chap. 2:17, 18), and God honors their faith and answers the prayer (2:19). How fully this justifies the constant exhortations of Scripture to "pray without ceasing," James i:5 also says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him;" and also Matt. 18:19, "If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven."

Daniel does not become vain over the knowledge given him, nor does he fail to give thanks and praise to God for it (chap. 2:20-23). How he pours out his heart in praise to God! "I thank Thee, and praise Thee, O Thou God of my fathers." Would that what the Lord ministers to us ever had the same effect upon our hearts!

Then again in chap. 4:27 we see him a man of courage, a faithful messenger, and a wise reprover. He had laid to heart Prov. 25:12, 13. Having interpreted the dream to the king, he now counsels him to break off his sins by righteousness, and his iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, that it might yet lengthen the peace of his kingdom. There was "salt" in his prophesying. Not only had he no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but he reproved them too (Eph. 5:11; a Tim. 4:2).

Once more in chap. 5:17 we find him a man who would not be influenced by a gift. It is commonly said that every man has his price. This is not true. Daniel could neither be bought nor hired; he could say to the king, "Let thy gifts be to thyself and give thy fee to another, yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation. " He had treasured up in his heart the words of Deut. 16:19, and the exercise of the gift that was in him brought him before great men, as said in Prov. 18:16.

In chap. 6:10 he appears as a man of prayer. He will not relinquish his dependence on God; therefore not even the den of lions can intimidate him; no decree of man, whoever he be, can turn him aside from his purpose to please God above all. Morning, noon and night he must pray with his windows open toward Jerusalem. He knew well the prayer of Solomon at the dedication of the Temple, and that part of it in i Kings 8:33-40, so he disregards all human interference. How much higher and greater our incentive to persevering prayer:"Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will Ido"(Jno. 14:13). In chap. 9 he is a humble man. He confesses (ver. 20). He not only confesses the sin of his people, but takes his place as one of them; according to Luke 14:ii he takes the low place and for it is exalted.

In chap. 10:11 he is called "A man greatly beloved, "^ or "A man of desire."In the language of the New Testament (Jno. 7:17), it is one whose will is to do the will of God, and of such it is said, "They shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God." Now "the secret of the Lord is with those that fear Him."

In this same place we see in Daniel a man who realizes the solemnity of the word of God. The words of Isaiah 66:2 are in his soul, "To this man will I look, to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word." Oh that this might be more true of all the people of God! T. G.