The Power of Christian Principle
John Cumming, D.D. Daniel 6:1-10 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;… It is the silent but continuous and irrepressible power of Christian principle which really tells upon the world around us. It is not a mere syllogism that will convert a sceptic. It is not a powerfully constructed argument that will alone convert a Roman Catholic; it is not such specimens of Christianity as Church and Chapel often furnish, which make men feel that Christianity is the ambassadress of God, and the benefactress of mankind. It is when the world sees Christianity softening all, sweetening, subduing, sanctifying, inspiring, directing all — giving its tone, shape, colour, and freshness to all; it is when the world sees Christianity in self-sacrifice — in submitting our own temper and inclinations to those of others — in giving way and suffering, rather than appearing to dictate and presume — it is in the quiet by-paths of human life, that Christianity acts with the greatest force, and in which, if detected by the sceptic, he owns that there is there the finger of God, the evidence of a power greater and holier than human. So Darius saw Daniel's Christianity; he understood not his sublime creed, but he appreciated his honesty, his integrity, his truthfulness, his faithfulness. The world itself, if it do not practice, yet appreciates faithfulness and integrity. The merchant on the exchange understands character, when he neither studies nor subscribes a creed. Hence the pulpit is not the only place for preaching. (John Cumming, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; WEB: It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom;