The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1935-08-08
Lesson for August II
DANIEL

LESSON TEXT-DanieI 1890.
GOLDEN TEXT-Know We not that
your body is the temple of the Holy
Ghost which is in you, which ye have
OF God?-I Corinthians 6:19.
PRIMARY TOPIC-How Daniel Grew
Strong.
JUNIOR ToP1C-Ten Times Strong.
lNTERMEDIATB AND SENIOR TOP
1C-Obeying the Laws of Health.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
1C-Motives for Total Abstinence.
The lesson committee has designat-
ed this lesson, Temperance and
Health" In the use of this as a ten.
perance lesson it must be borne in
mind that it is temperance in the sense
OF self-mastery, rather than having TO
DO with indulgence in Intoxicating
liquors. Daniels seIf-mastery was due
to his right relation and loyalty to
his God. 1t is utterly futile to hope
TO enforce a program of temperance
upon those who are in rebellion
against God
!. Daniel in Captivity In Babylon
wv. 14).
Daniel with his companions we're
carried away to Babylon in the first
seige Of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnez-
Ear. At the command of the king GER
tain choice young men were carried
away because they were "skillful in
wisdom, and cunning in knowledge,
and understanding science" that they
might be trained to stand in the kings
palace.
ii. Daniels Trials (Vv. SD.
l. Conscience tested ". 81. BY the
appointment of the king, a daily pro-
vision was arranged of the kings meat
and wine for Daniel and his compan-
ions. This was contrary to the custom
among the cody Jews. Being con-
trary to the Jewish customs they could
not conscientiously partake of them.
2. The change of name wv. 6, y.
Among the Hebrews names were given
to children which we're most signit-
cant Daniel means God is my Judge"
The significance of this name is that
all the problems of life were submit
ted to God for a decision. God was
made the arbitrator of his life His
name was changed to Belteshazzar,
which means Bells prince" 1t meant,
therefore, one whom the chief god of
the Babylonians favors. Hananiah
means gift or beloved of Jehovah"
His name was changed to Shadrach,
which signified 'illumined by the sun
god, Rach." Mishael means who is as
God? His name was changed to
Meshach, which means ''who is like
the goddess, Sheshach, the gentle
one?" Azariah means Jehovah is our
nelp." This was changed to Abed-
negO, which means 1.-The servant Of
Nego." Back of the change of names
was the attempt of Satan to wipe out
the name of the true God.
III. Daniels Courtesy wv. S-13).
Daniel seems to have been the
spokesman for the company. Although
his heart was fixed, he did not forget
to be a gentleman. He requested to
be excused from this meat and drink
in order that he be not defled. We
should learn from this that in times
even of great trials we should be
courteous. When Daniel asked that
test be made as to the effect of the
food upon the cOuntenance of himself
and companions, gracious considera-
ton was given to them.
". Daniels Triumph wv. 14-2D.
l. AS to physical health wv. 14--16).
A test was made for ten days, and it
was shown that Daniel and his com
panions were fairer in countenance
and fatter in flesh than those who in
dulged in the eating of the kings
meat. This meat and wine would have
been pleasant to the palate, but would
have meant compromise Of the con-
science. 1t is obligatory upon Gods
children today to abstain from that
which is contrary to his law.
2. Spiritual insight ". 10. Because
of Daniels loyalty to God, Nebuchad
nezzar's dream was revealed to him
(2:31-45), and he was given visions
sketchng the whole history of the
world.
3. Mental growth wv. 17-2O). Dan
iel and his companions were found to
be ten times superior in matters of
wisdom and understanding to their
comrades. Those who abstain from
indulgence In the use of strong drinks
have clearer minds and are thus bet
ter equipped mentally for their work
than those who indulge therein.
4. Their social and political prefer
ence ". 19). They stood before the
king. No higher position of influence
and honor could have been given
them.
s. Their temporal influence ". 2D.
They were all advanced to positions
of influence, and Daniel became pres
ident of the college Of wise men, and
the prime minister Of the nation. This
position he continued to hold during
several dynasties.
Good Actions