266 requested it, flattered his pride and vanity probably,by insinuating that he would become almost as great as one of their gods, if he should, for the space of one month, be the only being to whom any petition might be addressed. He rashly and foolishly signed the decree, without suspecting that it was designed to take away the life of the most excellent man in his empire; and probably without considering that t& obey it, would prevent all religious worship throughout his dominions, and even the most necessary requests from one person to another. The noblemen who wished to obtain the decree told the king that it was recommended by all the presidents, though they very well knew that Daniel, the first and superior of them, had not even been consulted. Thus unprincipled men themselves by stooping to the meanest fulsehood and deception to accomplish their wicked, malicious, and selfish. purposes; for “there is no fear of God before their eyes.” But a good cause needs no support from evil; and that which does, is thereby clearly proved not te be a good One. - -- -
