Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament… I. THE CHARACTERS HERE MENTIONED, There are two. "They that be wise." "They that turn many to righteousness." 1. "Wise," that is, instructors, or teachers. By this character of wise is meant all good men, who have a real, a warm concern to know their duty and to put it in practice, who take delight in serving God and doing good. It is religion that teaches what must be known, and done, to make us happy for ever. We have souls, and we have bodies. These constitute the man. Both deserve and demand our care, but not both in the same degree. 2. "Turn many to righteousness." Some say — If I am good myself, that is enough. Let every man look to himself. But, surely, it is every man's province, every man's duty, and it will be every man's satisfaction, his crown of glory as well as rejoicing, to do all the good that he can. By righteousness is meant in the text, what it usually signifies in holy Scripture, virtue and piety, our duty to God and one another, and a due government of our appetites and passions. II. IN WHAT MANNER, AND BY WHAT METHODS, MAY THE CONVICTION AND REFORMATION OF SINNERS BE MOST PRUDENTLY ATTEMPTED, AND PROBABLY EFFECTED? Some natures are so corrupted, some wills so obstinate, some wicked habits so strong, that counsel, how good soever, signifies nothing. The most natural and effectual methods to excite a sense of religion, to reclaim those to the paths of piety and virtue who have forsaken and run from them are: 1. Let them be instructed in the knowledge of true religion. 2. Recommend a serious consideration of what they do know. 3. Represent the great encouragement which the word of God gives to enter upon a new and bettor life. 4. Warn them of the dreadful consequences of living and dying in an unpenitent and unpardoned state. 5. We should not fail to enforce a due care of and attendance upon the appointed means of religion. III. THE ENCOURAGEMENT CONTAINED IN THE TEXT. The glory promised to good men is unfading and everlasting. (Ed. Sandercock.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. |
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