22
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene
table, both of food and wine. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he
would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with
the wine which he drank.” [See
Daniel 1
.]
The food appointed them would include meats pronounced unclean
by the law of Moses. They requested the officer who had them in
charge to give them a more simple fare; but he hesitated, fearing that
such rigid abstinence as they proposed would affect their personal
appearance unfavorably, and bring himself into disfavor with the king.
Daniel pleaded for a ten days’ trial. This was granted; and at the
expiration of that time these youth were found to be far more healthy
in appearance than were those who had partaken of the king’s dainties.
Hence the simple “pulse and water” which they at first requested, was
thereafter the food of Daniel and his companions.
It was not their own pride or ambition that had brought these
young men into the king’s court,—into the companionship of those
who neither knew nor feared the true God. They were captives in a
strange land, and Infinite Wisdom had placed them there. At this trial
of their loyalty, they considered their position, with its dangers and
difficulties, and then in the fear of God made their decision. Even at
the risk of the king’s displeasure, they would be true to the religion of
their fathers. They obeyed the divine law, both physical and moral, and
the blessing of God gave them strength and comeliness and intellectual
power.
These youth had received a right education in early life; and now,
when separated from home influences and sacred associations, they
honored the instructors of their childhood. With their habits of self-
denial were coupled earnestness of purpose, diligence, and steadfast-
[27]
ness. They were not actuated by pride or unworthy ambition; but
sought to acquit themselves creditably, for the honor of their down-
trodden people, and for His glory whose servants they were.
When the ability and acquirements of these youth were tested by
the king at the end of the three years of training, none were found
like unto Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Their keen appre-
hension, their choice and exact language, their extensive and varied
knowledge, testified to the unimpaired strength and vigor of their men-
tal powers. Therefore they stood before the king. “And in all matters
of understanding that the king inquired of them, he found them ten