The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-07-08
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON


Inc antiquity, magnitude. splendor and wealth
or Babylon surpassed belief. Founded two mil
iennums before the Christian era IL covered ten
times the of the largest city of modern
times. The fascinating loneliness of the metrop-
oils diverted Alexanders attention from the in
caiculaole treasures of the royal Golfers. Though
its ruins have been the quarry out of which a
score or cities have been built they still rise
IN vast mounds upon the plain. Yet. when
baoylon was shining in meridian spendor one
thing eclpsed IL I'm the eye of God and angel
III not or man; and that. too. the most unlikely
thing the city contained-the character of a young
Hebrew captive. Daniel was greater than the
city IN which he lived. The city is dead. The
man lives The character OF Daniel has been
the noble model on which tens of thousands OF
young men have fashioned their lives. He
made the most out of his situation. He might
nave complained of his environment. He might
nave said: m the puppet OF despotic ruler;
might as well submit TO the inevitable I'm de-
prived OF personality and influence. 1t makes no
dinerence how L live or what do" Instead of
that, with courteous and winning manner. but
without sacrifice Of principle. he adjusted him
self to his surroundings without giving offense
and achieved success through the very conditions
which seemed to make IL impossible He
had fixed religious principles. He knew what he
believed, and why. He rooted and grounded.
Religion was not a matter OF geographical loca-
tion with him. He felt its sacred obligations as
strongly In Babylon as he did in Jerusalem.
No doubt they had a proverb in his day which
corresponded TO our modern maxim: When in
Rome do as Romans do" But he scorned the
adage He was incorruptible. Babylon is
the New Testament type of profigacy. In the
midst OF a sef-indulgent and eneminate court
and popuiace. among strangers. five hundred
miles from the restraints OF home and church
and acquaintance. with the subtle, undermining
influence OF general degeneracy beset by the
world the flesh and the devil. the lust of the
flesh. the lust OF the eye. and the pride of life,
Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not
defiie himself" Jesus words are strik-
ingy exemplihed Seek first the kingdom OF
God and His righteousness. and all else shall be
added" Daniel stepped at once 10 the COM
manding position of prime minister Of the proud
est monarchy on earth. and retained IL half a
century. lie able 10 befriend with patriotic
services his unfortunate fellow-countryrnen In
their exile. He exalted the name and nature
and worship of the true God In a heather court
and country. He left at once inspiration and
a pattern for young men of every age.
THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
First--Temptations OF young to-day not
than those of Daniel No possible en-
vironment worse than his. Consequent encourage
ment Of his example
second-Total abstinence principle physio-
logically well morally correct.
Third-Temperance includes: Cd Moderation In
eating. ''Loaden sfomachs make ieaden brains.
go Abstinence from narcotics.
Fourth-Any apparent success achieved by those
who not abstensious. achieved In spite OF, not
because OF, their habits.