152 of God, Daniel finally entreated the king to “break off his sins by righteousness, and his iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; that it might be a lengthening of his tranquillity.” Nebuchadnezzar could not have heard this dreadful sentence without much alarm. But there were many things in his situation to make him forget it. An emperor over so many countries would be much occupied with business. All the affairs of these countries required attention ; and though much could be done by others, yet an active, watchful king, like Nebuchadnezzar, would choose to superintend the whole himself. Besides this, he was then engaged in reủairing and ornamenting the city of Babylon, He was surrounded also by a multittide of courtiers, who prostrated themselves on the earth whenever they came into his presence, and used the most flattering language when they spoke to him. At home he was celebrated for his skill in government; abroad, all nations trembledat his courage and success in war. Proba bly, too, many of his leisure hours were giyen tb domestic
