The Brinkley argus., 1917-09-21
LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 23
DANIEL IN THE DEN OF LIONS.
LESSON TExT-Daniel 6.

GOLDEN TEXT-The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.-Psalms 34:7.
 l. Daniel the Prime Minister of the Medo-Persian Empire (vv. 1-3).
 Daniels sterling worth brought him to the front and kept him there. The new king was quick to discern his merits and to give them recognition by placing him at the head of affairs in his kingdom.
 II. An Occasion Sought Against Daniel (vv. 4-9).
 CD The Reason of-Envy. To have this foreigner placed over them aroused the jealousy of the pres idents and princes of the empire, so they set about to have him removed. The presence of envy shows inferior ity. One never envies those below him It is hard to forgive those who have outstripped us and left us be- hind in the race of life.
 (2) The Failure (v. 4). Daniels of ficial record was blameless. Not even an error could be found of which they could accuse him. Though he was without fault he had to suffer. Those who excel in any line are sure to suf- fer in some way. It is true in busi- ness, the home, the school, politics and religion.
 (3) The Wicked Plot (vv. 5-9). Not being able to find any fault, they trumped up a charge against him on the ground of his foreign religion. They were not careful about the meth cd employed, just so their end was at- tained.
 III. Daniels Noble Confession (vv. 10-13). Though Daniel knew that the wicked decree was signed he knelt before God three times a day as usual. He went quietly about his affairs, at tended to his regular devotions, be- cause he trusted God. There is al- ways a marked silence about hero ism. Weak men buster, but strong men have little to say. Daniel con- tinued his usual habit of prayer, even though it was q violation of the civil law, because he knew that Gods law NdS uISI. " iltA bIlC ltNS OI NtlA tAA conflict with the laws of heaven there is but one thing to do; that is, to obey God rather than man.
 w. The Foolish Decree Executed. (vv. 14-17). The king was greatly dis pleased with himself (v. 14) and dili- gently sought to deliver Daniel, but he was helpless (v. 15). The proud ruler was a slave. Laws which change not are self-condemnatory, foolish, positively wicked. The king was weak for fear of others, which is utter wickedness. Daniel was cast into the den of lions (v. 16) and a double seal placed upon the den (v. ID. They were not content with the kings seal alone, which shows that one rascal will not trust another. The kings words, "Thy God, whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee," to Daniel were a poor excuse, but they were the hest that he could offer to his conscience.
 V. Daniel Delivered (vv. 1S-23).
 (1) The Kings sleeplass Night (v. 18). Doubtless Daniel was more com fortable ill the den of liens than the king in his palace. His quletude is picture of the safety and peace which are the portion of those who trust God and do his will. This is a sample of what faith can do. Thou wilt keep him In perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth thee"
 (2) The Kings Question (v. 20). In the morning the king called to Daniel in the den of lions saying, "Is thy God able?" This is always the question of the unbelieying heart. The believing heart says, Our God is able"
 (3) Daniels Answer (v. 22). My God has sent his angel" Angels are Gods ministering spirits. ''The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and deliyereth them" (Psalms 34:7) Many times no doubt our lives are preserved because we are guarded by Gods angels. Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father, and the very hairs of our heads are numbered, so we ought to expect the mouths of the lions to be shut against US.
 (4) Daniel Removed From the Den (v. 23). There was no manner of hurt upon him. The reason was that "he believed in his God" The same req son is why the garments and hair of his companions were not even singed.
 VI. Doom of Daniels Accusers (v. 24). They were cast into the den of lions "and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bot tom of the den."
 Daniels God to Be Feared.
 VII. Darius Decree (vv. 25-2O. He 1 decreed that in all parts of his king dom men of all peoples and tongues should tremble and fear before the | God of Daniel.
 VIII. Daniels Prosperity (v. 2S). Though Daniels enemies perish, he 1 goes higher and higher in the king dom. even continuing into the reign of |