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Daniel an Example in Temperance, May 23
Temperate in All Things
And the king communed with them; and among them all was
found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.... And in
all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired
of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and
astrologers that were in all his realm.
Daniel 1:19, 20
During their three years of training, Daniel and his associates main-
tained their abstemious habits, their allegiance to God, and their constant
dependence upon His power. When the time came for their abilities and
acquirements to be tested by the king, they were examined with other
candidates for the service of the kingdom.... Their keen apprehension,
their choice and exact language, their extensive knowledge, testified to
the unimpaired strength and vigor of their mental power....
God always honors the right. The most promising youths from all
the lands subdued by the great conqueror had been gathered at Babylon,
yet amid them all the Hebrew captives were without a rival. The erect
form, the firm, elastic step, the fair countenance, the undimmed senses,
the untainted breath—all these were insignia of the nobility with which
nature honors those who are obedient to her laws....
Amid the seductive influences of the luxurious courts of Babylon
they stood firm. The youth of today are surrounded with allurements
to self-indulgence. Especially in our large cities, every form of sensual
gratification is made easy and inviting. Those who, like Daniel, refuse
to defile themselves will reap the reward of temperate habits....
Daniel’s clearness of mind and firmness of purpose, his power in
acquiring knowledge and in resisting temptation, were due in a great
degree to the plainness of his diet, in connection with his life of prayer....
Stand forth in your God-given manhood and womanhood.... God
will reward you with calm nerves, a clear brain, an unimpaired judgment,
keen perceptions. The youth of today whose principles are firm and
unwavering will be blessed with health of body, mind, and soul.
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