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

could deliver him if he desired, but if
to be torn by lions was the alternative
of ulshonoring God whom he had known
so long, the destruction of his body by
these wild beasts would but accomplish
his release and bring him into more. in
innate fellowship with Jehovah With
his face toward Jerusalem, remembering
Solomon's dedicatory prayer, he prayed
to God. giving thanks. Note particu-
larly that Daniel did not forget to give
thanks, even though these circumstances
would hardly have been chosen for a
thanksgiving theme.
He did not pray with his windows
open for ostentatious purposes; but IS
this was his custom. he did not close
the blind to hide himself. OF course,
his enemies were on the lookout, and il
was not long before they had reported
the matter to the king, giving such col
or to as they chose. Daniel was report
Ell as being disloyal to the king, and
having refused to obey the decree which
had been made.
FEARLESS BECAUSE FAITHFUL.
The king now recognized his mistake,
but what was he to- do? 1t would be
dangerous to change the law; he did not
know whether it would be possible to
evade it, He laboreJ that day as he
never did before. from morning until
the sun went down, trying to lind some
means by which he could save his hon
ored officer, and yet do no violence to
the law. Like many another man, he
thought too late; there was no escape.
Accordingly that evening Daniel was
cast into pit containing a number or
ravenous lions, Darius all the while
hoping almost against hope that some
means would be found to rescue this
righteous and innocent man.
The door of the den was sealed with
double seal; that of the princes and
that of the king, to prevent their inter
fering with the decree. The princes
and the presidents could not destroy
him, nor the king release him. The
double seal made his miraculous deliv-
erance more sure.
That was an anxious night for OAR
ius; none of the things which ordinar-
lily pleased him were allowed to be
brought into his presence. His wives
and his wines were kept away There
was no frivolity, but he spent the night
in agony. In one sense it was as ag-
onizing prayer that engaged him as
any man could offer who knew nothing
personally of the God who answers
prayer He could hardly wait for the
day to come. Very early in the morn
ing he rose, and came to the mouth OF
the den. He called out to David al
most afraid that he was gone. He had
some hope that Daniels God would
save him, for he had heard how He had
sdelivered Daniels friends so miracu-
lously. II
How greatly relieved he must have
been to hear Daniels voice, as without
the least tone of rebuke, or anger, he
told David how his God had shut the
mouths Of the lions and kept him safe
The plan of the princes and presi-
dents naturally entailed that if Daniel
was delivered they should be cast into
the den of lions. They were so sure
that these ravenous beasts would de-
stroy him that they were willing TO
risk their own safety. But they had
not counted on God They had cast the
die and lost. Into the den they were
thrown with their wives and their chill
dren, and their bones were broken be-
fore they ever reached the bottom.
Then Darius issued another decree that
everyone should worship Daniels God,
the living God, for no other could de-
liver after this fashion. Daniel had
trusted God, been true to his convic-
tions and now is triumphant.
There are the lessons that impress
me in this story. Daniel was loyal to
God, regardless of the cost. He could
be depended on; there was never any
doubt where Daniel would be found.
How true is this of you?
Daniel was very busy man. He
had the oversight OF three presidents
and one hundred and twenty princes
over as many provinces. There were
many calls upon his time every day,
no man in Atlanta had as much respon-
sibility. But he was not too busy to
find time for prayer three times every
day. Has the devil deceived you by
this lie. that you have no time for
prayer?
Daniels stand gave moral backbone
to many captive Jew. who were look
ing to him for example. Can you inn
agine the effect on the captives if Dam
Tel had been disloyal? Someone is look
ing to you for guidance, although you
may not know whom; some one will
follow your example. Which way are
you leading someone else?
Daniel demonstrated that God is
worthy to be worshipped. and that He
is a God working wonders. He has
not changed. He is worthy of your
worship today; and If you trust Him
as Daniel did, He will work just as
great wonders for and with you today