Among many shifting factors in the great problem of human life, one factor at least is fixed, viz. that the interests of the righteous are secure. Their fate is linked to God's. All events shall have but one effect on them. This is the granite rock that retains its stable glory amid the restless, seething sea.

I. IT IS A CONSOLATION TO KNOW THAT THE ANGELIC RACES ARE INTERESTED IN HUMAN WELFARE. As Daniel looked with a more intent gaze, he perceived other angelic forms in close proximity. So when God opened the eyes of Elisha's servant, he saw a host of heavenly cavalry encircling his master. Devout research is ever well rewarded. The angels have not attained one common level of knowledge. They inquire one of another; become each other's teachers and each other's helpers. The same topics that interest good men interest angels also. The same impatience to penetrate future events, which men feel, angels also in some measure cherish. They especially take an interest in the Church of God. They sympathize with us in trial, persecution, and suffering. They desire to see God, in the progressive revelations of himself.

II. FORMS OF SOLEMN ASSEVERATION ARE EMPLOYED BY THE ANGELS TO GIVE US STRONG ASSURANCE. This illustrious angel raised himself to a particular posture, employed special gesticulation, and uttered a special form of words, with this one view, viz. to persuade his auditors of the authority with which he spake, and of the certainty that his words should be performed. Thus God commands his highest servants to accommodate themselves to human infirmities. Nothing on his part shall be wanting to enlighten and ennoble men. The eternity of God is pledged for the fulfilment of prophecy. As the eternal God lives, it shall be done.

III. OBEDIENCE ENLARGES THE CAPACITY TO RECEIVE, To hear and to understand are not identical. Perhaps we really understand nothing. We see not things as they are, but only as they are related to us. Feeling, affection, inclination, assist greatly the understanding. It is possible that God might tell us fully and lucidly the future course of this world, and still we might be only bewildered. It is the voice of fatherly kindness that says to his child, "Go thy way." Perform all thy common duties. The future is "closed and sealed." "A good understanding have all they that keep his commandments." There is solid happiness for every man who can calmly wait the larger unfoldings of God's will. Food for real hunger there always shall be; but provision for imaginary wants will not be forthcoming.

IV. TRIALS HAVE THE MOST OPPOSITE EFFECTS ON THE RIGHTEOUS AND ON THE WICKED. No amount or severity of outward trial is, in itself, competent to improve or soften men. "Though a fool be bruised in a mortar, yet will not his folly depart;" "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?" The hottest fire of suffering cannot. Hence God saith, "Why should ye he stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more." Notwithstanding exile, bondage, defeat in war, desolations of every kind," the wicked will still do wickedly." The voice Divine at last will speak. "He that is filthy, let him be filthy still." But the effect upon the righteous is the very reverse of this. The fire, that hardens clay, melts the wax. Not a few shall discover that the fire only removes the dross - separates vile elements from the sterling - and produces lustre and renown. Under this severe and searching discipline, true Israelites shall be purified and made whiter than snow. Purity of character shall bring with it greater clearness of vision; while, on the other hand, persistence in sin will tend to darken intellect more and more, until it shall be submerged "in the blackness of darkness for ever."

V. LOSS OF RELIGIOUS ORDINANCES IS THE GREATEST OF EXTERNAL CALAMITIES. This is, in reality, a greater calamity than the desolations of a war or the ravages of a plague. God's calculations of human epochs date from his withdrawal flora his temple. The suspension of the daily sacrifice - this marks the commencement of an era. Men are wont to reckon epochs from the rise or fall of human dynasties. Not so God. His interest in human affairs centres in the temple. The profanation of the temple by setting up idol-worship there - this marks the opening of a dark and tempestuous day. This chastisement is a fitting type for a yet greater woe. The number seven has long time been a signature and symbol for perfection and rest; therefore the broken period of three times and a half betokens the very opposite - disquietude, turmoil, woe.

VI. ASSURANCE TO THE RIGHTEOUS OF PERSONAL AND PERFECT SECURITY. Whatever disasters shall befall the wicked, or whatever tempests may roll over the heads of the righteous man, this is certain - "Thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days." This is a fixed and definite end, which the Divine Being has set before him, and every arrangement of Providence is adjusted with a view to this end. This is the inheritance which God himself has chosen for us, and secured by promise, oath, and blood. If Israel, in possession of the earthly Canaan, could sing, "We have a goodly heritage," much more can the redeemed in heaven chant that joyous strain. The lot is already apportioned unto us. The Divine attributes are pledged to us for its enjoyment. No event, nor force, nor personal being, in the broad universe, can prevent the grand consummation, "Thou shalt stand in thy lot." The kingdom has been prepared for us "before the foundation of the world." "If children then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ." - D.

Daniel, having heard of the great troubles and afflictions that the Church was to meet with in the last days, was desirous to know how long they should continue, and to have some more particular information concerning the issue of them. The angel said, "Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end". As if it had been said, Daniel, what hath been revealed to you already is enough to support your faith and hope, and the faith and hope of my people in future ages, amidst all the troubles and trials that they may be exercised with, and this you must be contented with in the meantime; for a full explication of the mysteries of Divine providence, of God's dispensations towards the Church made her members, such an explication of them as will leave no darkness, doubt, or difficulty remaining, is not to be expected during the present state of things. In these words We have:

I. A SEASONABLE ADMONITION. "Go thy way, Daniel." Mind your own business; apply yourself to the performance of your present duty.

1. A needful caution. Not to indulge an unwarrantable curiosity of prying into those things which God hath not seen meet to reveal, into the secrets of His government and providence.

2. A. suitable exhortation. To apply himself to his present work, and set about the performance of present duty, leaving events to the Lord.

II. THE REASON FOR THE ADMONITION. "For the words are sealed up," etc. There was something intricate and mysterious in the prophecy concerning the Church's troubles and deliverance that would not be fully unfolded until it was accomplished. By "the time of the end" may be understood the time when the several predictions concerning the troubles and trials that the Church was to meet with should be fulfilled. In every future period new discoveries would be made of the gracious designs and mystery of Providence respecting the Church till all were finished and unfolded. The end of time may be meant. A seal denotes security, as well as secrecy or concealment. When, therefore, it is said that the words were sealed till the time of the end, it might imply that there would be an exact accomplishment of all God's promises concerning the Church, whatever difficulties appeared to be in the way.

1. Let us observe some things in general concerning those discoveries that God is pleased to make of His mind and will to His people in this world.(1) All true believers are privileged with some discoveries of the mind of God that others are unacquainted with. They are all taught of God; not doctrinally, or externally, by the word only, but internally, effectually, and savingly, by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit shows them many things concerning Christ; concerning His person and undertaking, righteousness, grace and salvation, which are bid from the rest of mankind.(2) The discoveries God makes to His people He ordinarily makes to them by means of His Word. The Holy Scriptures are sufficient to "make the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." The work of the Spirit now is, not to make any new revelations of the will of God, but to open the understandings and enlighten the minds of men to perceive, and make a suitable improvement of, what is already revealed in the written word.(3) God doth not reveal His mind to His people all at once, but gradually, and as He sees meet.(4) The discoveries which God makes of His mind and will to His people in this world are still imperfect(5) Even saints of God are too apt to indulge a sinful curiosity in prying into those things which God hath not been pleased to reveal, and which it is not necessary for them to know in their present state.(6) However dark and intricate the dispensations of Divine providence may be, so much is made known as is sufficient to support faith and hope, and to encourage behavers in the way of duty.

2. Some of the discoveries which God makes to His people, which are sufficient to direct them in the way of duty. These discoveries may concern the people of God themselves. That He loves them. That the covenant He has made is ordered in all things and sure, immutable and everlasting. That there is a fulness of grace deposited in Christ as the Mediator of the New Covenant. That He will never leave them. That all dispensations shall turn to their advantage. These discoveries may concern the Church in general. Such as that all future troubles of the Church were foreknown and appointed by God. That they would only continue for a limited time. That all the promises would certainly be accomplished. That all the Church's sufferings would have a glorious issue.

3. Many things are still dark to God's people, and must remain so as long as they continue in the world. There are still things dark in the Church's troubles, in the promises of God concerning His Church. Believers have but imperfect views of the privileges conferred upon them; and of the truths and doctrines taught in the Word of God. There is mystery in that gracious work which God has begun, and is carrying on, in souls. There is a veil upon that glory and happiness reserved for them in the other world. There are reasons why we should attend to present day, and not pry into the unrevealed.(1) Inquiries into those things which God hath not been pleased to reveal are unprofitable and vain.(2) What God hath clearly revealed is sufficient for their direction and encouragement in the way of duty.(3) It is the will of God that His people, while they are in this world, should live by faith, and walk by faith.(4) When the people of God mind their present duty, they greatly honour God. They give Him the glory due unto His name.(5) All that is now dark and mysterious either in the purposes or promises of God, or in the dispensations of His providence, will at last be clearly manifested and unfolded.

(D. Wilson.)