Daniel 6

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VI.—Stedfast uprightness is the best method of retaining favour and honour in courts, however wicked: by that men may preserve their places amidst strange revolutions. And the more our neighbours wait for our halting, let us be the more circumspect. It is extremely honourable if they can find nothing to accuse us of but the regular worshipping of God. If we thus suffer, we need neither be afraid nor ashamed. And it is highly honourable to have our habitations temples for God, and houses of daily, of frequent, prayer; and never to omit duty for fear of suffering. But, alas, how unhappy are most princes in the information and advices which they receive! What is done from a conscientious regard to God is represented as done in contempt of their authority: and they are often decoyed into that which is furthest from their intentions. Their flatterers, and their vain glorious humour, plunge them into fearful depths of vexation and torment. But God wonderfully preserves his faithful worshippers; he is a present help in their trouble, and will stand by them in the hour of temptation. And it is kind in such as share his bounty readily to overlook the fault of their unwilling injuries. But dreadful is the danger of their malicious accusers and persecutors. They shall fall into the pit which they had digged for others. The Lord is known by the judgments which he executes, and can make even Heathens publish his honours