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proved, even when those who most loved and believed in her, were almost ready to think evil of her, from the strength of the testimony against her; but all was now happily removed, and neither stain or dishonour was attached to her name.

"Therefore Chelcias her father, and her mother praised God, for their daughter Susannah, with Joacim her husband, and all their kindred, because there was no dishonesty found in her.”

"And from that day forth was Daniel had in great reputation in the sight of the people.”

THE HISTORY OF THE DESTRUCTION

OF

BEL AND THE DRAGON.

(Cut off from the end of the book of Daniel.)

After the death of King Astyages, Cyrus became king of Persia; and Daniel obtained the peculiar favour of this king, who highly esteemed him for his wisdom, and the many talents he was gifted with; Cyrus also found great pleasure in his con

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versation, which both amused and enlightened him; and in consequence of Daniel possessing so many advantages from the gift of God, and from the cultivation and strength of his mind, he was honoured by the king above all his other friends and subjects.

The Babylonians at this time were great idolators, and fond to worship things the most unlikely to inspire respect and veneration, But Daniel, who had been brought up in the principles of the most pure religion, detested this sin and folly, and as far as he dared, always endeavoured to set it aside, and counteract the machinations and avarice of the priests of these numerous idols, (whom Daniel well knew imposed upon the ignorance of the people, vain beliefs,) for the opportunity, by this means offered, for enriching themselves.

Amongst many others, an idol, called Bel, was at this period the most reverenced and esteemed; there was consumed daily in his service, "twelve great measures of fine flour, forty sheep, and six vessels of wine." The king himself worshipped this idol, and went daily to his temple for that purpose; but Daniel remained ever firm to the doctrine of his law, and bowed not the knee to Bel.

The king observing this, as Daniel accompanied him to his devotions, demanded the cause; to

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which Daniel replied, "That he could not worship idols made with hands, for that he made his prayers to the living God alone, who had created heaven and earth, and who had the sovereignty over every living creature."

The king then asked him what cause he had to doubt of Bel's being a living God, when he must be well acquainted with the large quantity of provision, which he every day consumed ?

Daniel smiled at this remark of the king's, and entreated that he would no longer suffer himself to be deceived by artful devices, but to assure himself that the image called Bel, was only clay within, and brass without; and that it was utterly impossible it ever could have ate or drank.

This observation made the king extremely angry, for he felt that there was reason in it, and that probably he might be imposed upon; and he had all the priests of Bel called into his presence, and said to them, that if they did not immediately and truly inform him, how all the provision placed in their hands for Bel, was disposed of, they should die. But if on the contrary, they could certify him that they were devoured by the God, then that Daniel should die, for having spoken blasphemy against Bel. Daniel expressed his perfect satisfaction at this decision; and said to Cyrus, "Let it be according to thy word."

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