Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1915-11-11
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER IA
DANIEL IN THE KINGS COURT.


II Cor. 1913.
This familiar story has been select
ed for the Worlds Temperance Sun
day"-it is the first record of his
Bahylonian experiences and is an H.
lustrious example of those everlasting
principles which govern successful
life.
|. Daniels Position, w. II. Ne.
buchadnezzar, on the death of his
father, returned tc Babylon from be-
sieging Jerusalem to take the throne.
He carried with him Jehoiakim and a
number of young men, in whom was
no hlemish' (1D. They were perhaps
twelve years old. Among these were
four who had been particularly Sc
lected for pious training and the name
OF each is compounded with the name
of God: Daniels meaning God is my
judge" They are now alone in a
licentious heather palace and ALSO
iutely at the power Of the king and
his court. Their names are now
changed; Daniel becomes Belteshaz-
zar-'favored of Bel" Such changing
of names is customary in most heath
en- or Mohammedan lands even today.
A still greater danger or temptation
confronts these young men, viz, that
the king appointed them "a daily por.
ton of the kings meat" Gam Rev "
81. To refuse to eat invited ridicule
and perhaps loss of life, but to eat
was to break the Jewish law as to
food (Deut. 12:23-25). See also q
Cor. STD; 10:27-2S). Their captiv-
.ty had been fofetold III Kings Fly,
but change of location and name
does not involve change of heart as
many tempted one has discovered.
These men liz spite of natural appe-
titles, danger of being thought pecu-
liar, or even gratitude to king for lives
preserved refused to eat the kings
meat and to drink his wine.
II. Daniels Purpose, 1878. The
real purpose of mans heart not
alone governs his acts but reveals
what he is-God looks upon that when
he judges men I'll Cor. 81; SIP;
Luke 1919. without will (purpose)
there is no character !" (Acts 1928.
Daniel purposed Gin his heart" not to
defile himself" No compromise, no
trimming because of being away from
home, no partnership with the rich
and opulent court. Daniel was to be
''as clean as hounds tooth" Men
who dare to stand alone always find
cooperation, so Daniel found those
who stood by him (v. 12). Daniel ex-
ercised great tact in his dealings with
the prince OF the eunuchs but God
had evidenced his protecting and lead
ing care ". 81 enabling him to win
his way and persuade the eunuch to
allow the suggested test w. 12). II
Christian workers would exercise
more tact they would more frequently
attain their desired ends duke 1879.
1t is possible to be so unbendingly
puritanical as to lay us open to a
charge of pharisaical pride. Daniel
illustrates spotless purity, inflexible
loyalty mingled with sweet reason
Daniel had sufficient confidence In his
God and faith in his actions to be will
ing to be submitted to the acid test
of experience. His was a religion
that could stand without being tied.
az. Daniels Profit (Reward), w. a.
Fl. Pulse denotes such vegetables as
beans and peas. Their diet was to be
general. vegetable one. Samson as
a Nazarite drank no wine. This age
mas yet to fully comprehend the
reasonableness and efficacy of those
ancient Jewish laws of sanitation and
diet. Myriads Of men are today dig
ging their graves with their teeth.
The result of this test was that Daniel
and his companions were delivered
from transgressing Gods laws and
the prince of the eunuchs from being
punished because of the physical con-
dition of his charges. Beauty, health,
and strength came to Daniel and his
friends with the result of preferment,
position, and influence at court ~.
19). They stood before the king"
from. IA: 1912; Cor. 3:10-15; II Cor.
5.9): ta) because of their answering
loyalty to God and obedience to his
Word John 14-15; 1926 r. W; (b)
because of their fife of prayer, for it is
the work of the Holy Spirit to give
unto us wisdom luke 2:15, Acts 6:
10) even as Daniel was thus blessed
". 17) the spirit bestows diverse gifts
Il Cor. 12:1-4-1D; (c) and finally be-
cause having special place in the
purposes and plans Of God their lives
were counted precious in his sight ".
III. Verify, HE that doeth the will OF
God abideth forever
Temperance Applicatien.-This les
son suggests the value OF total abb
stinence.
No user Of tobacco has ever taFeE
first honor at Harvard "-LongfeIIow
Temperance and self-control must
begin in the home and be perpetuated
in the strength and power of God
which alone comes through an intelli
gent knowledge and obedience of his
Word. There is no way to win sue
cess except bys means Of a comnIete