Middletown transcript., 1917-09-08
INTERNATIONAL
'SUNl&YSCH00L,
LESSON
(By REV. P. B. FITZWATER, D. D..
Teacher of English Bible in the Moody
Bible Institute of Chicago)
Copyright, 1917, Western Newspaper Union }
LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 9
BENEFITS OF TOTAL ABSTI
NENCE.
LESSON TEXT-Daniei 1.


LESSON TEXT-Daniei l.
GOLDEN TEXT-But Daniel purposed
IN his heart that he would not defile him
self with the portion of the kings meat.
nor with the wine which he drank-Daniel
! u.s.
The book Of Daniel, with the great
prophecies, fulfilled and unfulfilled, Is
one Of the most interesting and impor-
tant in the Bible. Without q grasp Of
the prophecies of this book it is abso-
lutely impossible for one to know the
New Testament and the times in which
we live. Daniel gives an outline of the
entire period Of time from the passing
of supremacy to the Gentiles in Nebu-
chadnezzar to the final overthrow Of
the Gentle dominion to the establish
ment of the millenial kingdom. The
course, character and end of Gentle
dominion are given. 1t is that period
known in Scriptures as tine ''times Of
the Gentiles" Uuke q :24).
The book Of Daniel falls into two
parts: Part 1 Chapters 1 to g., in
which the prophet appears as the d.
vinely chosen interpreter of dreams;
part II Chapters to 12), in which the
prophet appears as the mouthpiece of
God, setting forth in visions, not
dreams, the times of the Gentiles. The
book is written in two languages, He
brew and Aramaic-chapter :1-2.3 and
chapters s to II (Hebrew) chapters
Al :2S (Aramaic). The part which
concerns the Hebrews was written in
their own tongue and the part which
concerns the empires of the world Is
written in their tongue.
!. Daniels Home Leaving (vv. 1-4).
He was carried away to Babylon by
NebuchadnezZar in the first siege Of Je-
rusalem. This was a great trial for
his own heart. He seems to have been
about fourteen years Of age. For a
boy who loved his home and the house
of God it was a great trial to be thrust
out and dragged away to q foreign
country. 1t was not only q trial to
him, but doubtless to his parents also.
They no doubt were anxious, and sim
cerely prayed for him.
II. Daniels Trials and Difficulties
wv. 5-13). 1t was the custom for the
best of the captives to be selected and
trained for service in the land of cap
tivity. They usually selected those Of
the royal house for such training
of II
brews names We're given to children,
which were significant. Daniel means
"God is my judge" The significance
of the name then was that all prob
lens of life were submitted to God for
decision. This was the secret of Dan
iePs life. This purpose of his parents
seems to have been instilled into his
very life and being. SO thoroughly did
he imbibe this spirit that in all things
he made God arbiter of his plans and
change of name was to obliterate his
national and religious connection and
identify him with the heather people.
The king of Babylon evidently liked
Daniels appearance and scholarship,
but was averSe to his religion. 1t Is
the same today. Nations and individ
uals are perfectly willing to recognize
and utilize the scholarship and efficien-
cy of Christian ministers and mission
aries, but are not willing to embrace
their religion. The name which Daniel
received by which he was to be known
in Babylon was Belteshazzar, which
means Bel's Prince. This in it's bear
ing upon Daniel would be- the chief
one, or the one whom BabylOn's chief
god favors Back Of the change Of
name was Satan's attempt to wipe out
the name of the true God and have
these young men lose their separation
and become assimilated with the heath
en-. There is much in a name. Hap
PLY in this case, however, the change |
of name did not make change Of dis
position. Daniel was in Babylon, but |
he did not do as the Babylonians did. |
Doubtless, parental discipline in this
case had done it's work.
2. His conscience tested wv. 5-9). 1t
was with reference to the kings meat
and the kings wines. 1t is ever to be |
borne in mind that conscience is the
groundwork of human character. 1t is |
the law which must be followed. No |
doubt Daniel was taunted and laughed !
at for his fidelity, just as all men and !
women today who are loyal to their !
convictions must experience, for all |
who will live godly in Christ Jesus !
shall suffer persecution.
5. His religious life. This involved
his refusal to eat meat and drink wine
which was contrary to his teaching.
Also 1t involved his praying three times
q day. This program he loyalty car
ried out, even when it meant death.
His praying was not done altogether
in secret. He called upon God even
when those who were opposed to him
could see him.
III. His Success wv. 1421). I. Ply
steal health ". 15).
Cody and temperate living pays.
The kings meat and wine would have
been pleasant to the palate, but would
have meant compromise Of conscience.
2. Mental growth ". 2O). He was ten
times superior to his comrades. 1t Is
true that those who abstain
from indulgence in the use Of wine
have clearer minds and are mentally
hof<or oouiDnod for fhoir wOrlx fh0n