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Counsels for the Church
of the world as the light of the sun shining in the heavens at noonday
is brighter than the feeblest star. Yet ponder the prayer from the lips
of this man so highly favored of Heaven. With deep humiliation, with
tears and rending of heart, he pleads for himself and for his people.
He lays his soul open before God, confessing his own unworthiness
and acknowledging the Lord’s greatness and majesty.
[54]
As Daniel’s prayer is going forth, the angel Gabriel comes sweep-
ing down from the heavenly courts to tell him that his petitions are
heard and answered. This mighty angel has been commissioned to
give him skill and understanding—to open before him the mysteries of
future ages. Thus, while earnestly seeking to know and understand the
truth, Daniel was brought into communion with Heaven’s delegated
messenger.
In answer to his petition, Daniel received not only the light and
truth which he and his people most needed, but a view of the great
events of the future, even to the advent of the world’s Redeemer. Those
who claim to be sanctified, while they have no desire to search the
Scriptures or to wrestle with God in prayer for a clearer understanding
of Bible truth, know not what true sanctification is.
Daniel talked with God. Heaven was opened before him. But the
high honors granted him were the result of humiliation and earnest
seeking. All who believe with the heart the word of God will hunger
and thirst for a knowledge of His will. God is the author of truth. He
enlightens the darkened understanding and gives to the human mind
power to grasp and comprehend the truths which He has revealed.
The great truths revealed by the world’s Redeemer are for those
who search for truth as for hid treasures. Daniel was an aged man. His
life had been passed amid the fascinations of a heathen court, his mind
cumbered with the affairs of a great empire. Yet he turns aside from
all these to afflict his soul before God, and seek a knowledge of the
purposes of the Most High. And in response to his supplications, light
from the heavenly courts was communicated for those who should live
in the latter days. With what earnestness, then, should we seek God,
that He may open our understanding to comprehend the truths brought
to us from heaven.
Daniel was a devoted servant of the Most High. His long life was
filled up with noble deeds of service for his Master. His purity of
character and unwavering fidelity are equaled only by his humility of