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Fundamentals of Christian Education
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 might have found a plausible excuse to depart from his
strictly temperate habits; but the approval 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 promote physical and mental
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
who had indulged appetite. As a result of this trial, Daniel and his
associates were permitted to continue their simple diet during the
whole course of their training for the duties of the kingdom.
The Lord regarded with approval the firmness and self-denial of
these Hebrew youth, and His blessing attended them. He “gave them
knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had un-
derstanding in all visions and dreams.” At the expiration of the three
years of training, when their ability and acquirements were tested by
the king, he “found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah;
therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom
and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten