The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-07-29
THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL LESSON
July 30, 1S80-DanfeI vi, 1O-23-DanfeI
in the Den Of Lions.

Religion qualities rather than units for Affairs
Of state. The Ethiopian after his conversion was
the better prepared to assume his charge OF all
Candace's treasure. So there was nothing In
compatible between Daniels piety and his dis
charge OF the duties Of the mightiest nation on
earth for half century. - But his relig-
ion did not shelter him from the shafts OF envy.
His uprightness was a constant rebuke to bis
fellow-officials. Their populations were likely 20
be unearthed any time by this incorruptible ana
fearless Hebrew. And when the king took steps
looking towards q cvil-service reform chat the
king should have no damage. Verse p, and med
itated making Daniel chief OF the bureau. SELF
preservation as well as jealousy suggested . con-
spiracy against his life. - The plot was
well suited to the kings vanity and weakness.
Obedience to the decree suggested II would be .
conspicuous recognition OF the fact that he not
only reigned by divine right. but that he himself
was divine. a Pigment OF antiquity which sur
vived to our day in the divine nature accorded.
until lately. to the Mikado. Not when
spite OF his knowledge OF the decree. he continued
his habit-not In spirit OF bravado-not be-
Saf because principle was al stsHs.
and he was the most conspicuous repre-
sentative of his race-as he did. so would they.
centrated In his conduct In the emergency.
Great in the council chamber. he was sreater
In the closet OF prayer.
At morning. noon and night 70 prayf
In his chamber he remembers Zion.
Though in exile far away.
The weakness OF Darius makes good foiI for
the courage of Daniel. II he had not the adase.
"A bad promise Is better broken than kept he
had at least the principle which underiies u.
for that is perennial. The promise TO do an un-
Just and inhuman thing Is best kept IN the
breach OF IL. Or. IL this fiction of the remedfess
have gone TO the den In Daniels stead.
What a glorious contrast the divine government
at this Pcns 70 f6 ne se IN an Sey
tricable difficulty, with no way 70 save the tnnc-
cent: but God has provided means to spare the
law but rather its exaltation. Justice and mercy
are reconciled in the atonement- . The
palace and the den-what a contrasti In that
building THE marvel Of mankind" the monarch
of the world restless and unhappy. he
loathed the dainties of his BANQUET room nor
would he listen music. Sleep forsook him.
An upbraiding conscience and a consciousness
OF unkingly weakness were his companions
In the den Daniel had the Undesirable Joy of
an approving conscience. void OF offenss toward
God and He had the fuihllment or the
promise: He shall give his angels charss con- on.
companionship angelic. The steadfastners
Of Daniel. and his consequent miraculous deliv-
erance. was the finishing touch In the provioen-
tiaI process OF preparing the Hebrews for their
exit from bondage. The Circumstances had
powerful educative effect upon the heather also
THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
First-Region not impracticable. Nothing IN
II ininnicaI to true success. On the contrary.
.:Ie best preparation for business. professional.
political social and domestic life. Instances:
History, sacred and profane. ancient and modern
second-The meanness Of envy. The dezptcahie
means IL will take TO accomplish It's end
Third-The elevation Of weak aid vain men 20
Office a public misfortune.
Fourth-Incidental evidence OF the authenticity
OF Scripture Casting into lions den mode OF
capital punishment In Babylon
Fifth-The use of providential crises. whsre.
by a heroic stand. one can 90 lifetime OF 5000
in a few moments.
Sixth-Examples Of the habit ana spirit o.
prayer In those occupying high positions
Seventh-Bad promises; the folly OF making
them. and what 10 do with them when once
made.
Efghth-The desrability OF n good conscience
which can transmute lions den into @ safer
and happier place than a royal palace.