The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1917-09-08
INTERNATIONAL,
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LESSON
LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 9
BENEFITS OF TOTAL ABSTL
NENCE.
LESSON TEXT-Daniel l.

The book of Daniel, with the gres
prophecies, fulfilled and unfulflled,
one OF the most interesting and impoi
tant in the Bible. Without a grasp c
the prophecies of this book it is abs,
lutely impossible for one to know tn
New Testament and the times in whic
we live. Daniel gives an outline of tn
entire period Of time from the passin
OF supremacy to the Gentiles in NebU
chadnezzar TO the final overthrow O
the Gentle dominion, to the establish
ment of the millenial kingdom. TIL
course, character and end of Gentil,
/ dominion are given. 1t is that perio,
known In Scriptures as the times O
the Gentiles" duke 81 :24).
The book of Daniel falls into tw,
parts: Part Chapters 1 to %. IL
which the prophet appears as the di
Vlnely chosen interpreter of dreams
part III Chapters to 12), in which the
prophet appears as the mouthpiece OF
God, setting forth in visions. not
dreams, the times Of the Gentfles. The
DOCK Is written in two languages, He
ORE" ana Aramaic-chapter :1-2.3 and
chapters 8 to II (Hebrew); chapters
Z:4-' % (Aramaic). The part which
concerns the Hebrews was written I'm
thelr own tongue and the part which
concerns the empires of the world is
written in their tongue.
l.. Daniels Home Leaving wv. Ia.
lie was carried away to Babylon by
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT in the first siege Of Je-
rusalem. This was a great trial for
ms own heart. He seems to have been
ABOUT fourteen years of age. For a
boy who loved his home and the bouse
or God 1t was great trial to be thrust
out and dragged away to a 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.
u. 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.
1. Change of name. Among the He
prews names were 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
lefs life. This purpose of his parents
seems to have been instilled into his
very life and being. So thoroughly did
ne imbibe this spirit that in all things
he made God arbiter Of his plans and
purposes. The object no doubt in the
mango 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.
'ut was averse to his religion. 1t is
he same today. Nations and individ-
Ials are perfectly willing to recognize
md utilize the scholarship and efficien-
y OF Christian ministers and mission
Iries, but are not willing to embrace
heir religion. The name which Daniel
eceived by which he was to be known
Babylon was Belteshazzar, which
1eans Bers Prince This In its bear
ne upon Daniel would be, the chief
ne. or the one whom Babylon's chief
cd favors. Back Of the change of
anne was Satan's attempt to wipe out '
ne name of the true God and have
1ese young men. lose their separation I
nd become assimilated with the heath I
a. There Is much In a name. Hap I
lily In this case, however. the change
name did not make change Of dis
osition. Daniel was in Babylon, but
did not do as the Babylonians did. c
oubtless, parental discipline In this u
Use had done its work. q
2. His conscience tested wv. 5-S). 1t b
as with reference to the kings meat A
Id the kings wines. 1t Is ever to be il
,rne In mind that conscience Is the "
Of human character. 1t Is S,
e law which must be followed. No
'ubt Daniel was tainted and laughed
:. for his fidelity, just as all men and
omen today who are loyal to their NJ
nvictions must experience, for all Ii
DO will live cody in Christ Jesus m
all suffer persecution. G,
3. His religious life. This involved t.
8 refusal to eat meat and drink wine
1ich was contrary to his teaching.
so 1t involved his praying three times
day. This program he loyalty car. Of
ID out, even when 1t meant death. n,
s praying was not done altogether +,
secret. He called upon God even
len those who were opposed to him
uld see him.
TO. His Success wv. 14-21). 1. PLY. cc
al health ". 49,. 10
Cody and temperate living pays. gr
e kings meat and wine would have M
en- pleasant to the palate, but would W,
We meant compromise of conscience.
,. Mental growth ". 20). He was ten
les superior to his comrades. 1t is
Ways true that those who abstain or
IN indulgence in the use of wine in
We clearer minds and are mentally ro
ter equipped for their work than as
'se who indulge.
!. Social. Daniel stood before the
e. No higher position of honor