Page 5 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

those who have it not.

The language which we are compelled to use is logically loftier than that of modern

English fiction. It is a Biblical story and must carry some of the dignity and flavor of
the early seventeenth century, from which time we get the authorized translation of the
Scriptures. Literary coherence and congruity demand that where we quote at length
from the text of the King James version, the transition from the story to the quotation

and back again will be smooth and natural. It has been hoped that the story will not
only serve the ends of narrative-interest and spiritual instruction, but also be of value
especially to younger readers as illustrative of a particular style of English prose and
diction.

The story must stand or fall with the interest gendered in the reader by the
circumstances and personalities portrayed, and not from any appeal to that which is
base or even questionable. We are committed to the fact that the latter elements do not

have to be introduced for a story to be attractive and readable. Even the producers for
stage and screen have recognized the entertainment value of Biblical narratives. We
are not aware that the story of Daniel has ever been exploited to this end to any extent,
though none is so exciting to young and old.

We trust that the reader will bear with the slow tempo at the start, from which we
build to the climaxes of the later chapters.
The Book of Daniel is half narrative and half prophetic. We have been concerned

almost exclusively with the narrative, but have attempted to introduce enough of the
prophetic to give the reader some knowledge of what the prophecies contain.
“Prophet-Statesman—The Drama of Daniel” is sent forth with the hope and prayer
that it will be a blessing to every reader.

The Author