The Carlisle independent., 1915-11-11
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER 14
DANIEL IN THE KINGS COURT.

[ in the faith, quit you like men. be strong -I Cor 16:13
 This familiar story has been select ed for the Worlds Temperance Sun day"-it is the first record of his
 Babylonian experiences and is an il.
 lustrious example of those everlasting
 principles which govern successful
 life.
 1. Daniels Position, w. 1-7. Ne
 buchadnezzar, on the death of his
 father, returned to Babylon from be- sieging Jerusalem to take the throne He carried with him Jehoiakim and
 number of young men, ''in whom was no biemish" (14). They were perhaps twelve years old. Among these were
 four who had been particularly se- l leeted for pious training and the name Of each is compounded with the name i of God; Daniels meaning is my i judge. They are now alone in licentious heather palace and abso- lutely 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 DOT tion of the kings meat" (Am- Rev. V. 5. 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 i Cor. 8:7-10; 10:27-28). Their captiv- ity had been foretold (II Kings 20:1D. but a change of location and name does not involve change of heart as many a tempted one has discovered. These men in spite of natural appe- tites, 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, 1918. The real purpose of a mans heart not alone governs his acts but reveals what be is-God looks upon that when he judges men (II Cor. 9:7; SIP; Luke 16:15). Without will (purpose) there is no character (Acts 11:23). Daniel purposed "in his heart" not to defi1e himself" No compromise, no trimming because of being away from home, no partnership with the rich and opulent court. Daniel was to be sas clean as a 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 (v. 9 enabling him to win his way and persuade the eunuch to allow the suggested test (v. 12). If i Christian workers would exercise more tact they would more frequently attain their desired ends (Luke 16:8). It is possible to be so unbendingly puritanical as to lay us open to charge of pharisaical pride. Daniel illustrates spotless purity, infiexible' loyalty mingled with sweet reason ableness that always gains it's ends. 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 religion that could stand without being tied III. Daniels Profit (Reward), w. 14- 21. Pulse denotes such vegetables as beans and peas. Their diet was to be 3 general vegetable one. Samson as a Nazarite drank no wine This age has yet to fully comprehend the M Nf 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 bcause 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 (v 19l. They stood before the king tRom. 14:10-12; Cor. 3:10-15; II Cor 5.9); cal because of their unswerving loyalty to God and obedience to his Word John 14-15; 1926 R, VI; (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 (v. I'D the spirit bestows diverse gifts q Cor. 12.1-4-1D; Co and finally be- cause having special place in the purposes and plans of God their lives were counted precious in his sight (v 27). Verify, He that doeth the will of God abideth forever
 Temperance AppIication.-This les son suggests the value of total ab- stinence.
 No user of tobacco has ever taken first honor at Harvard. .''-Longfellow
 Temper ance and selfcontrol 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 suc-