Physical Habits and Spiritual Health
[
The Review and Herald, January 25, 1881
.]
The character of Daniel is presented to the world as a striking
example of what God’s grace can make of men fallen by nature and
corrupted by sin. The record of his noble, self-denying life is an
encouragement to our common humanity. From it we may gather
strength to nobly resist temptation, and firmly, and in the grace of
meekness, stand for the right under the severest trial.
Daniel’s Experience
Daniel might have found a plausible excuse to depart from his
strictly temperate habits; but the approbation of God was dearer to
him than the favor of the most powerful earthly potentate—dearer
even than life itself. Having by his courteous conduct obtained favor
with Melzar, the officer in charge of the Hebrew youth, Daniel made a
request that they might not eat of the king’s meat or drink of his wine.
Melzar feared that should he comply with this request, he might incur
the displeasure of the king and thus endanger his own life. Like many
at the present day, he thought that an abstemious diet would render
these youth pale and sickly in appearance and deficient in muscular
strength, while the luxurious food from the king’s table would make
them ruddy and beautiful and would impart superior physical activity.
Daniel requested that the matter be decided by a ten days’ trial—
the Hebrew youth during this brief period being permitted to eat of
simple food, while their companions partook of the king’s dainties.
The request was finally granted, and then Daniel felt assured, that he
had gained his case. Although but a youth, he had seen the injurious
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effects of wine and luxurious living upon physical and mental health.
At the end of the ten days the result was found to be quite the
opposite of Melzar’s expectations. Not only in personal appearance,
but in physical activity and mental vigor, those who had been temperate
in their habits exhibited a marked superiority over their companions
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