Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1911-09-22

One of the remarkable things in the
story of Daniel is the fact that, al
though devoid of all those qualities
which make a successful politician of to-
day, he was the highest officer in the
kingdom under five kings and three dy-
riasties. While he was tactful, at no time
did he compromise any of his convic-
tions. Firm, fearless and faithful, he
foretold the destruction of Belshazzar,
the degradation of ACKNOWLEDGMENT, and
the deterioration of the great kingdom
of Babylon.
The one secret of his success was his
loyalty to God. man who was so
loyal to God as Daniel was could not
help being sought after in a king
dom where, and at a time when, every
man was working secretly at least for
his own interest. and would leave no
stone unturned to further his interests.
The contrast in Daniels life was very
marked; he sought his own interest
last.
ABSOLUTE LOYALTY.
The incident which we study today is
one of the evidences of his loyalty, and
also OF his success. When the Modes and
Persians conquered Babylon. Darius was
placed over Babylon. Being a man of in
dolent habits, ease loving and lustful,
he planned the provinces so that he
would not be troubled by the manage
ment of their AFFAIRS. He divided them
among a hundred and twenty princes
who were to report TO three presidents,
the first OF which was Daniel. These men
had charge Of the collection of the states
finances, and the disbursing OF such as
was necessary to carry on the state
business as well as the control of all
those matters which went to make UP
the government affairs of that rich prov
ince After he had come in contact
with Daniel, and saw what an excellent
spirit there was in him, how honest and
accurate he was he determined to re-
lieve himself of further responsibility by
placing Daniel in charge of all, being
assured in his own mind that the affairs
of the government would be handled in
a most capable manner. There was wis
dom in this, for Daniel was man of
over 10. and had had large experience in
the MANAGEMENT of the affairs of the
kingdom, and was thoroughly conversant
with all the conditions asthey existed
This, however. aroused the luminosity
of the other princes and presidents who
resented the authority which was thus
given to one of an alien and captive race.
The scheme which they finally adopted
was very astute. 1t took them some
time to decide upon plan. for they had
to get some pretext. When they begun TO
consider Daniels life they were con-
fronted with a life of such uprightness
and honesty that search where they
could. they could not md any fault in
him. This is a marvellous testimony to
this man, coming from his enemies as II
did. for had there been any flaw in his
character, either private or official, il
would certainly have been found by
them.
They recognized also his perfect 10y
atty to his God, and decided finally
that they must attack him from this
standpoint They came tumultuousiS
to the king, and without giving him
time to consider, proposed that he issue
a decree, that whatsoever should ASH
any petition of God or man. save OF
himself, Tor 80 days. should be cast into
a den or lions. they made nm pc
lieve that this act was necessary IL
maintain mis- authority over the recent
ly acquired territory.
The absence of Daniel should have at
tracted the kings attention, but the
plausibleness of the proposition and
the pleasure which 1t gave to his vanity,
made him sign the decree before he
knew what the ultimate outcome would
be. Having once been signed, it would
be dangerous to alter the law of the
kingdom: for If so, any tyrant could
at his will cause chaos in the kingdom,
therefore. the decree was signed and
sealed.
Daniels loyalty is shown by the fact
that when he knew of the decree and Its
consequences, he did not change has
mode Of life one iota, but continued as
before time to do those things
which he had done. 1t was not in ig-
norance of the decree; it was not N
ignorance of IS purport, it's sinister
purpose; it was not in ignorance of the
dangers which lay ahead from an east
ern tyrant; it was not in ignorance of
the certain death that would follow dis
obedience, that Daniel acted. What nc
did was with the full light of trurn,
with the full knowledge of what the
consequences might be.
But Daniel know, not only these
things, but also the fact that Jehovah.
his God, was all-wise and all-powerIul
and ALLOWING. He had tested Him 70.
nearly so years now, and Jehovah had
never once failed him; though he was
still a captive. but a captive who had
Jehovah with him even in strange lands
His faith in God made him loyal; Geo
OFT