336 by indubitable proofs. He had evidently nothing to dope for from his countrymen. They were at that time poor and miserable captives in a strange land; they had neither wealth nor offices to bestow upon if he had needed any. He was not called upon to defend them with the sword, as David was ; but simply to be their advocate with the kings who held them in cutivity, and to intercede for them with constancy and fervour at the throne of divine mercy. So that, as there was no inducement either of gain or renown to himself, hiş'exertions can have proceeded only from a disinterested and generous patriotism. 7thly. Daniel was steadfastly pious towards God. Like David, he began to serye God in his youth. He grew \ழJuiler the influence of king Josiah’s good example, and it is not unlitely, too, enjoyed the benefit of that prince’s excellent instructions: It is probable also, that he was personally acquainted and conversant with the prophet Jeremiah, who iad begun to prophesy only a few years before Daniel was born. It was then the gracious influence of the Spirit of God, acting in connexion with these means,
