Daniel’s Temperance Principles
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unbending as the lofty cedar wherever principle was involved. In
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everything that did not come in collision with his allegiance to God,
he was respectful and obedient to those who had authority over him;
but he had so high a sense of the claims of God that the requirements
of earthly rulers were held subordinate. He would not be induced by
any selfish consideration to swerve from his duty.
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.
God’s Approval Dearer Than Life
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
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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
effects of wine and luxurious living upon physical and mental health.