PREFACE.

I OFFER this little work to the public with a deep feeling that in attempting to draw some of the practical lessons afforded by the history of Daniel, I have done what I could, and not what I would. I have found the task more difficult than I had expected. The high integrity, piety, and courage of the prophet are virtues which in all ages adorn the children of light, but they were shown by Daniel under circumstances so peculiar, that there is some danger of its being forgotten that the prophet whom we reverence, is also an example whom we should copy. To us visions are not granted, but the hope of Daniel our hope; for us miracles are not worked, but the wonders of redeeming love are made known to us even more clearly

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than they were to the Exile in Babylon. We may have but one talent committed to our charge, where the gifted Daniel had ten; but for that one we must render account. Let us humbly seek for the grace bestowed upon Daniel, that we may, like him, faithfully, fearlessly, and wisely, do our duty in that state of life unto which it may please God to call us.

A. L. O. E

EXILES IN BABYLON.

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I.

First Impressions.

O, MOTHER, you've not a notion what a splendid place this is!" exclaimed Ned Holdich, the steward's son, as with his bright young face glowing with pleasure, he burst into the little parlor in which his parent was engaged on her knees in unpacking a box.

"I could see as we came along the drive last evening, that the park is large and well wooded; but it was growing late, and-"

"O, we just saw nothing in the dark!" cried

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Ned; why we scarcely caught a glimpse of the deer behind the trees, and there are hundreds of them, bounding so lightly that they scarce seem to touch the ground. There is