In the Court of Babylon
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When the time came for the youth in training to be tested, the
Hebrews were examined, with other candidates, for the service of the
kingdom. But “among them all was found none like Daniel, Hana-
niah, Mishael, and Azariah.” Their keen comprehension, their wide
knowledge, their choice and exact language, testified to the unimpaired
strength and vigor of their mental powers. “In all matters of wisdom
and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten
times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his
realm;” “therefore stood they before the king.”
At the court of Babylon were gathered representatives from all
lands, men of the highest talent, men the most richly endowed with
natural gifts, and possessed of the broadest culture that the world could
bestow; yet among them all, the Hebrew youth were without a peer. In
physical strength and beauty, in mental vigor and literary attainment,
they stood unrivaled. The erect form, the firm, elastic step, the fair
countenance, the undimmed senses, the untainted breath—all were so
many certificates of good habits, insignia of the nobility with which
nature honors those who are obedient to her laws.
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In acquiring the wisdom of the Babylonians, Daniel and his com-
panions were far more successful than their fellow students; but their
learning did not come by chance. They obtained their knowledge by
the faithful use of their powers, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
They placed themselves in connection with the Source of all wisdom,
making the knowledge of God the foundation of their education. In
faith they prayed for wisdom, and they lived their prayers. They placed
themselves where God could bless them. They avoided that which
would weaken their powers, and improved every opportunity to be-
come intelligent in all lines of learning. They followed the rules of
life that could not fail to give them strength of intellect. They sought
to acquire knowledge for one purpose—that they might honor God.
They realized that in order to stand as representatives of true religion
amid the false religions of heathenism they must have clearness of
intellect and must perfect a Christian character. And God Himself was
their teacher. Constantly praying, conscientiously studying, keeping
in touch with the Unseen, they walked with God as did Enoch.
True success in any line of work is not the result of chance or
accident or destiny. It is the outworking of God’s providences, the
reward of faith and discretion, of virtue and perseverance. Fine mental