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Messages to Young People
their greater physical stamina and increased power of endurance, they
have a bank of deposit upon which to draw in case of emergency.
Right physical habits promote mental superiority. Intellectual
power, physical stamina, and length of life depend upon immutable
laws. Nature’s God will not interfere to preserve men from the con-
sequences of violating nature’s requirements. He who strives for the
mastery must be temperate in all things. 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.
Shaping Our Own Destiny
There is much sterling in the adage, “Every man is the architect
of his own fortune.” While parents are responsible for the stamp of
character, as well as for the education and training, of their sons and
daughters, it is still true that our position and usefulness in the world
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depend, to a great degree, upon our own course of action.
Daniel and his companions enjoyed the benefits of correct training
and education in early life, but these advantages alone would not have
made them what they were. The time came when they must act for
themselves,—when their future depended upon their own course. Then
they decided to be true to the lessons given them in childhood. The
fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, was the foundation of
their greatness.
The history of Daniel and his youthful companions has been
recorded on the pages of the inspired word for the benefit of the youth
of all succeeding ages. Through the record of their fidelity to the prin-
ciples of temperance, God is speaking today to young men and young
women, bidding them gather up the precious rays of light He has given
on the subject of Christian temperance, and place themselves in right
relation to the laws of health.
Temperance Richly Rewarded
There is now need of men who, like Daniel, will do and dare. A
pure heart and a strong, fearless hand are wanted in the world today.
God designed that man should be constantly improving, daily reaching