In the Court of Babylon
315
Daniel and his associates had been trained by their parents to habits
of strict temperance. They had been taught that God would hold them
accountable for their capabilities, and that they must never dwarf or en-
feeble their powers. This education was to Daniel and his companions
the means of their preservation amidst the demoralizing influences of
the court of Babylon. Strong were the temptations surrounding them
in that corrupt and luxurious court, but they remained uncontaminated.
No power, no influence, could sway them from the principles they had
learned in early life by a study of the word and works of God.
Had Daniel so desired, he might have found in his surroundings
a plausible excuse for departing from strictly temperate habits. He
might have argued that, dependent as he was on the king’s favor and
subject to his power, there was no other course for him to pursue than
to eat of the king’s food and drink of his wine; for should he adhere
to the divine teaching, he would offend the king and probably lose
his position and his life. Should he disregard the commandment of
the Lord he would retain the favor of the king and secure for himself
intellectual advantages and flattering worldly prospects.
[483]
But Daniel did not hesitate. The approval of God was dearer to
him than the favor of the most powerful earthly potentate—dearer than
life itself. He determined to stand firm in his integrity, let the result
be what it might. He “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.” And in this resolve he was supported by his three companions.
In reaching this decision, the Hebrew youth did not act presump-
tuously but in firm reliance upon God. They did not choose to be
singular, but they would be so rather than dishonor God. Should they
compromise with wrong in this instance by yielding to the pressure
of circumstances, their departure from principle would weaken their
sense of right and their abhorrence of wrong. The first wrong step
would lead to others, until, their connection with Heaven severed, they
would be swept away by temptation.
“God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince
of the eunuchs,” and the request that he might not defile himself was
received with respect. Yet the prince hesitated to grant it. “I fear
my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink,” he
explained to Daniel; “for why should he see your faces worse liking