nanted people of God, and thus they enter into an unequal contest with their Maker. When they see the church weak and outwardly exposed, they forget that her "Redeemer is mighty:" and their natural enmity against the CHAP. XII. V. 1. Michael signifies, Who is holy covenant of God renders them exceed- like God? And this name, with the title of ingly ready to take offence, or to vent their "the great Prince, which standeth for the chilindignation against his people, when others dren of thy people," clearly points out the
affront and injure them: and the they will generally find apostates and hypocrites, with whom to "hold intelligence" in these ruinous measures. When arms stand on their part, they do not fear to pollute God's sanctuary, and to desolate Zion by their abominations; and by their flattering promises they allure wicked professors to join them. Those, however, who know God, will put their trust in him, and he will enable them to stand their ground, to bear their cross, and to maintain their confliet.
Frequently, when the church is most wasted by persecution, it is most honored with able preachers, and replenished with numerous converts through their instructions. But outward prosperity seldom greatly helps the cause of godliness: many at such times "cleave to" the people of God "by flatteries," and hypocrites multiply much more than true believers.
Even they that have understanding, are often left to fall into some fiery trial, or even to be baffled by temptation, to prove and purify them: but their sufferings and conflicts will have an end, at the time when destruction shall overtake the workers of iniquity.
V. 36-45.
How dreadfully do the transactions of the visible church illustrate the doctrine of man's depravity! The blasphemies and impious abrogations of the divine laws, to make way for man's inventions; the denying of the Head, in
divine Savior, and cannot properly be understood of a created angel. ( Marg . Ref . b, c.
Note , 10:10-14, v . 13.) If the words, "at that time," be referred to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, Christ's standing up may be explained of his incarnation, for the redemption of his people; and of the introduction of the gospel dispensation, just before those calamities began: but if we interpret "at that time," to refer to the ruin of the eastern and western Antichrists, as just before predicted; then Christ will stand up in his glorious power, to terminate the afflictions of his people, and to make his cause triumph over all opposition.
"The time of trouble," as including all that the Jews have suffered from the crucifixion of Christ to the present day, and all that yet remains for them to suffer, till their conversion to Christ and consequent restoration, has been so great and permanent, that their afflictions during their bondage in Egypt, or in the Babylonish captivity, and all their other persecutions from the beginning to the coming of Christ, were very light in the comparison. ( Marg . Ref . a. d.- Notes , 9:12. Gen. 49:10. Deut . 28:46.
Luke 21:22-24.) Yet there were in the apostles' days, and have been since in every age, "a remnant according to the election of grace," who have been preserved from the national sin of unbelief, and from the punishments which have been in
order to worship creatures; the most diaboli-flicted on them for it. Nay, the unbelieving
cal pride united with voluntary humility; the most carnal and abandoned conduct, cloked under the appearance of the greatest mortification; the most lavished profusion joined with the most extreme avarice and extortion, have been found in the greatest degree, among the rulers of the professedly Christian church! but these are antichristian abuses, which will soon come to an end, however men may now practise and prosper in them. The end of the Lord's indignation against his people, and of his patience towards his enemies, approaches: and if we would escape the ruin of the infidel, the idolater, and the superstitious and cruel persecutor, as well as that of the profane, we must make the oracles of God our standard of truth and duty, the foundation of our hope,
progenitors have been spared for the sake of those chosen ones, who were in due time to descend from them: and so every one has been, and will be delivered, who is found written in the book of God's secret purposes as his elect; or in the register of true believers, when those purposes are made known by the event. ( Marg . Ref . e.- Notes , Is . 6:13. 65:8-10. Matt . 24:21, 22. Rom . 11:1-6. Rev. 13:8-10.) The afflicted state of the church, and the events with which it shall terminate, seem to be also predicted. ( Votes , Rev. 11:3-14. 14:14-20. 16:)
V.2, 3. As these verses conclude the series of prophetic events, which have been deduced from the days of Daniel, to the complete setting up of Christ's kingdom on earth; it seems obvious to interpret them of the general resur
difficulties have always been acknowledged in many of Daniel's prophecies, and they have been "as words shut up" even from believers in general. But at "the time of the end, many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." ( Marg . Ref . p.) In these ages many have bestowed great pains, in searching into history, to illustrate those parts of these prophecies which are already
searching ntempt."
rection. To whatever other event we endeavor to apply them; no adequate interpretation can be given of the wo words, words, "some to shame and everlasting contempt." For admitting that hypocrites do enter the visible church with true believers at every revival; yet their profession of faith cannot be an "awaking to everlasting shame and contempt." dust, different from the resection of The awaking also of those, "that sleep sleep in the the souls , mentioned by St. John, ( Note , Rev. 20:4-6, ν. 4.) and the language so accords with that of the New Testament respecting the general resurrection, that it must be expounded of it as the closin closing event of all, when "that which is determined shall be done.".
is very
The word rendered "many," may signify "of the multitude," &c. or if we retain our translation, we may consider it as similar to that of St. Paul, "by one man's disobedience, disobedience, many
were made sinners." No doubt then the res
urrection of the dead, the day of judgment, and the eternal state of retribution are here predicted; and that shaine and everlasting ang contempt, as well as torment and misery, which will be the lot of the wicked. ( Marg . Ref . g-i.- Notes , Job 19:23-27. Is . 26:19-21. 66:24. Matt . 13:36-43, υυ . 41-43. 25:31-46. John 5:28,29. Rom . 5:15-19.
Rev. 20:11-15.) -But besides the happiness of the righteous, which is mentioned in general, but most expressive terms, those things are added which seem restrictively to mark out faithful ministers. ( Note , 11:32,33.) They are wise , both for their own salvation, and to "win souls:" wise teachers of divine truth. ( Marg .) "They make men wise," or "make them to understand," "and shall shine as the brightness of the firmament." They turn "many unto righteousness," or "justify many;" teaching them the way, in which sinners are justified and sanctified by faith in Christ: or, "make many righteous:" and, as a gracious recompense of their diligence and faithfulness, they shall be "as stars for ever and ever." ( Marg .
Ref.k m.- Note , 1 Pet . 5 : 1—4 . )
V. 4. The angel, by way of conclusion, intimated to Daniel, that this prophecy would remain obscure, and as "a sealed book," of which little would be understood, "till the time of the end;" i. e. till the things predicted drew to a conclusion. ( Marg . Ref . n, o.- Notes , 5-9, ν. 9. 8:26. Is . 29:9-12. Rev. 5:1-7.) The fact has evidenced this to be the case: immense
In' these latter
michaeladom
scriptures, to form some judgment of what yet remains to be fulfilled: and thus much light has been thrown on them. As they shall gradually be more and more accomplished, they will be better understood; and future generations will be far more surprised and instructed by them, than we are. The expression of "running to and fro," may refer to the promulgation of the gospel in in the latter ages, by the active labors of faithful ministers and missionaries, which will for the
fulfilment of the remaining prophecies, by increasing in the world the knowledge of divine truth. Of this, we have in our days seen a most promising beginning; and have reason to think, that by the exertions of missionaries from different societies, and those of the Bible Society, in various ways, "knowledge," in those things which relate to the only living and true God, and Jesus Christ the Son of God, and salvation by him alone, is increasing rapidly, through a large proportion of the habitable globe; and a way preparing for its increase in all the other parts of the earth. This may well animate our prayers, and stimulate our efforts.
V.5-9. When the angel had finished his discourse, Daniel was led to look around him, and he saw two other angels, one on each side of the river Tigris. He saw also "upon," or rather above , "the waters of that river, a man clothed in linen;" this was doubtless Christ our spotless High Priest; who rules over many people, of which sitting or standing upon the waters is an emblem. ( Notes , 10:4-9.) One of the attending angels asked him, "How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?" in answer to which inquiry, he "lifted up both his hands to heaven," as swearing by the eternal JEHOVAH, that it would be "for a time, times, and an half." ( Marg . u-y.- Note , Rev. 10:2-7.) This is the same period, which we before met with; (7:25.) and which we shall repeatedly find in the Revelation of St. John.
10 Many & shall be purified, and made ||tion that maketh desolate set up, there shall white, and tried; but the wicked shall do bem a thousand two hundred and ninety days. wickedly: and none of the wicked shall 12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and understand; but the wise shall understand.
11 And from the time that the daily sacri fice shall be taken away, and the abomina11:35. Ps. 51:7. Is. 1:18. Ez. i 11:33,35. Ps. 107:43. Prov.
36:25. Zech. 13:9. 1 Cor. 6: 11. 2 Cor. 7:1. Tit. 2:14. Heb. 12:10. 1 Pet. 1:7,22. Rev. 3: 18. 7-13,14. 19:8,14.
h 1 Sam. 24:13. Is. 32:6,7. Ez. 47:11. Hos. 14:9. Rom. 11: 8-10. 2 Thes. 2:10--12. Rev. 9:20,21. 16:11. 22:11.
1:5. 2:1-5. Mark 4:11. Luke 24:45. John 7:17. 8:47. 18:37. 1 Cor, 2:10-16. 1 John 5:20. k 8:11,12,26. 11:31. 18:13. 9:27. 11:31. Matt. 24: 15. Mark 13:14. Rev. 11:2. * Heb. to set up the abomina- tion, &c.
It signifies three years and a half, or twelve hundred and sixty days: beginning from the time, when the king, before prophesied of, made way for one "to scatter the power of the holy people," until that scattering shall be accomplished; for then "all these things shall be finished." ( Marg .
Ref . z-b.) This period must not be calculated from the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, and the subsequent dispersion of the Jews; for they then ceased to be "the holy people:" but from the time, when "the saints were delivered into the hand" of "the little horn;" and antichristian usurpers received power to scatter true Christians, by false doctrines, persecutions, massacres, and religious wars, to the approaching period when these powers shall be subverted.
It has been seen, that the imposture of Mohammed, and the papal usurpation, began about the same time; and we may allow both to be included, as a twofold attack upon the church, under the secret direction of the devil and his angels. (Notes, 7:23-27. 8:9-12. Rev. 11:1 -6. 12:3-6. 13:5-7.) When Daniel heard this, he was conscious that he did not understand it: he therefore made further inquiries respecting it; and was again reminded, that the "words were to be closed, and sealed up to the time of the end." ( Marg . Ref . c-f. Note , 4.)
What shall , &c. (8) 'Or, as Mr. Mede translates the words, "What are these latter times 'thou speakest of?" ... Be content with what 'has been made known to thee: ... for the fuller 'explication of this prophecy is deferred till the 'time of its accomplishment draws near.'
Lowth .
V. 10. During the long continued troubles of the church, the Lord intended to carry on his work, and to purify and sanctify a great multitude, even by means of these trials: and, whilst the wicked would practise wickedness without remorse, and none of them would understand the meaning of these prophecies; they would gradually be unveiled to the wise and righteous, and especially to those, who were occupied in causing others to understand them. This would be effected by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, by the accomplishment of
cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
13 But go thou thy way till the end be : for thou shalt Prest, and a stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Or, astonisheth.
m 7,12. 7:25. 8:14. Rev. 11:2, 3. 12:6,14. 13:5.
n Rom. 11:15. Rev. 20.4. ο 9.
Or, and thou , &c.
p 3. Is. 57:1.2. Zech. 37 Matt. 19:28. Luke 2:29,30, 2 Cor. 5:1. 2 Thes. 1:7. 2 Tim. 4: 7,8. Rev. 14:13.
q Ps. 1:5. Luke 21:36. Jude 14,15.
'building a temple to Jupiter Capitolinus in 'the same place where the temple of God had 'stood; and to the misery of the Jews which 'followed.
It may, with equal justice, be ap'plied to the Mohammedans invading and des'olating Christendom, and converting the 'churches into mosques; and this latter event 'seemeth to have been particularly intended in 'this passage.' (11.) 'If this interpretation be 'true, the religion of Mohamined will prevail 'in the east twelve hundred and sixty years: 'and then a great and glorious revolution will 'follow; perhaps the restoration of the Jews, 'perhaps the destruction of Antichrist.
'But 'another still greater and more glorious will 'succeed: and what can this be so probably as 'the full conversion of the Gentiles to the 'church of Christ; and the beginning of the 'millennium, or reign of the saints upon earth? for "blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to 'the thousand three hundred and thirty-five 'days."" Bp. Newton . (Marg. and Marg . Ref . k, l.- Notes , 8:13,14. 9:25,27, υ . 27. 11:31. Matt. 24:15-18.) These twelve hundred and ninety days must
must be calculated from the same time, as "a time, times, and a half;" or three years and a half, or forty-two half, or forty-two months, or twelve hundred and sixty years; and they reach to thirty years beyond beyond them.
The subversion of the kingdom of the papal Antichrist, and the destruction of the seat of the beast, and of the Mohammedan delusion, ( Rev. 18: 19:) will probably be at the end of the twelve hundred and sixty years: thirty years more may be taken up in wholly extirpating every antichristian power; and the last number of thirteen hundred and thirty-five years, which reaches forty-five years beyond that time, may predict the complete introduction of the millennium, when "the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea; and happy will they be, who wait and live to see that time. (Notes, Rev. 11:15-18. 20:1-6.) Daniel, having received this information, was directed to prepare for death and rest in heaven, for he would stand in his lot, as a glorified saint, to witness the accomplishment of these predictions. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . o-q. Notes , Is . 57:1,2. Luke 2:26-32. Rev. 14:12,13.)
خود.
them in providence, and by carefully compar--Let any one carefully compare the terms ing one part of the sacred oracles with another. | and dates in these two concluding chapters (Marg. Ref .- Notes , 2,3, v. 3. 11:32-35, υυ . 33, of Daniel, with the scriptures referred to in 35.) the margin, and the references on the notes
V. 11-13. The setting up of "the abom- on the chapters which have been commented 'ination of desolation," seems to be a general on; and it is probable that he will no longer
'phrase, and comprehensive of various events. 'It is applied by the writer of the first book of 'Maccabees (1:54.) to the profanation of the 'temple by Antiochus, and his setting up the 'image of Jupiter Olympius upon the altar of 'God. It is applied by our Savior ( Matt . 24:15.) 'to the destruction of the city and temple by 'the Romans.... It may, for the same reason, 'be applied to the Roman emperor Adrian's
doubt, that the prophet Daniel, and the apostle John, in revelation, spake of the same transactions. What an amazing prophecy is this, 'comprehending so many various events, and 'extending through so many successive ages; 'from the first establishment of the Persian em'pire, above five hundred and thirty years be'fore Christ, to the general resurrection! ... How much nobler and more exalted the sense. more 'important and more worthy to be known by 'men, and to be revealed by God, when taken 'in this extended view, and applied to this long 'and yet regular series of affairs, by the most 'easy and natural construction, than when 'confined and limited to the times and actions 'of Antiochus, to which yet it cannot be recon'ciled by the most strained and unnatural in'terpretation!" Bp..Newton .
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-4.
Our glorious Prince and Savior, who once appeared on earth to make atonement for our sins, and who now is at the right hand of the Father, as our Advocate to plead our cause; will be sure to "stand up in behalf" of his people in the extremity of their trials and temptations, and to make them triumphant over all their enemies: nor can any troubles prevent the everlasting felicity of a single person, whose "name is written in the book of life." But none of our deliverances will be complete till that hour cometh, when "all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and shall come forth: they that have done good, to the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation." At that decisive season, when the multitude of the wicked shall not only be the objects of disdain and abhorrence to the righteous Judge of all, and his saints and angels, without any mixture of compassion or mercy; but shall even loathe and despise each other; the righteous shall obtain glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life.
Let us then seek wisdom and righteousness, resist temptation manfully, bear up under troubles cheerfully, and wait for a happy issue of all our conflicts and sorrows. But what peculiar and abundant encouragement may the faithful preachers of the gospel derive from this subject, amidst all their fatigues and difficulties, and the contempt and persecu persecution, which they en
counter in this evil world! For they are truly "wise, and shall shine in glory as the brightness of the firmament;" and every one, whom they are the instruments of turning unto righteousness, will be an addition to their crown of glory and rejoicing in the day of Christ. Let us not then "be weary of well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." ( Notes , Gal . 6:6-10, υυ . 9,10. Phil . 2:14-18, v . 16.)
V. 5-13.
be well satisfied, though a part of the sacred scriptures should be "sealed up" from us: for God has so ordered it, that some things are to be closed from our view, and reserved for the use of future generations. We ought not, however, to be willingly ignorant of any part of revelation; but should, with modesty and humility, bestow much pains to understand and explain the sacred oracles, that knowledge may be increased: and when many are thus employed, some will discover one thing, and some another, and the whole will become better understood.
May the Lord send forth many reachers and laborers in various ways, "who may run to and fro" all over the earth, to guide those who sit in darkness, into the ways of truth and righteousness!-Our Lord and Savior, who rules over the "raging of the waters and the madness of the people," is the sole Proprietor of this knowledge: even angels, when they desire to look down and inquire into the affairs of his church, seek all their information from him; and he gives his servants on earth wisdom and knowledge, answerable to their occasions.
We should then apply to him continually for instruction; what he communicates we should thankfully receive; but we should inquire no further into those things which he sees good to conceal.
We know in general, that the prevalence of his enemies, "to scatter the power" of his saints, has an appointed period: and that he is continually "purifying to himself a peculiar people zealous of good works," even when wickedness most abounds and prospers: that all the trials of believers, yea, and all their temptations too, (though they often for the moment blacken and defile them,) shall eventually combine to "purify and make them white:" and that, when persecution stops the public administration of divine ordinances, and idolatry renders the visible church an abomination and a desolation; still there is a scattered or hidden remnant, who are wise to understand the ways of God, which "none of the wicked understand."-But glorious times approach.
Happy will they be, who live to see them; yea, happy are believers at all times: they rest in God by faith now, and a rest is reserved for them in heaven at last. They may then cheerfully look forward to a dying hour; when the Lord will bid them "depart in peace, for their eyes have seen, and their hearts have experienced, his salvation; they may expect to rest in their happy lot in the end of their days; and in heaven to share the triumphs of the church on earth, which they here foresaw, or longed and prayed for, but did not live to wit
If we are enabled to obtain a well grounded assurance of eternal happiness, and are diligently employed in our proper work; we mayness. (P. O. Rev. 20 : 1-6.)
THE