342 beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee; for thou art greatly beloved(ofGod).”(ix.23.) We have final y,the testimony of God the best of all witnesses, in this case; who, when pronouncing sentence upon the land of Israel for the wickedness of the inhabitants, declared,—“Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness.” From which it is clear that Daniel was a man of eminent virtue even, in the view of the holy and oiániscient God himself: and whatzighèr praise can be given him 2 But, if we admire the character of Daniel, and desire to have the same divine grace, protection, and guidance which he enjoyed, we must love and obey God, as Öaniel loved and obeyed him. We have the will of God much more clearly made known to us, in the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, thaa it was known even to Daniel or to any of the wisest men of his day; for he lived before Christ came upon earth to enlighten mankind. The gospel
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of Christ sets before us motives, and encouragements
