36 No rudeness, no pride of superior wisdom were exhibited in his conduct, but respect for his elders, and a disposition to win their confidence by gentleness and humility. Daniel was thus prepared to attend with diligence and success to the lessons of his teachers. After seeking the blessing of God on all his pursuits, he endeavoured to use, to the best advantage, every mಂಗ್ಡent of time. He carefully observed what was new or curious in the manners and customs of the people, and treasured up in his memory all that was valuable. He disciplined his mind by studying the sciences of numbers and quantities; he expanded it by examining the motions and appearances of the heavenly bodies. He made himself acquainted with the laws and institutions of Babylon, and probaily, with general history; carefully attending to those causes which promote the prosperity of an empire, and those which hasten its destruction. At his leisure moments, he perhaps cultivated the fine arts; for poetry and music were favourite pursuits of the Hebrews, and other ancient mations, while
