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154
Temperance
had understanding 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 times better than all the magicians and astrologers
that were in all his realm.”
Self-Control a Condition of Sanctification
—The life of Daniel
is an inspired illustration of what constitutes a sanctified character.
It presents a lesson for all, and especially for the young. A strict
compliance with the requirements of God is beneficial to the health
of body and mind. In order to reach the highest standard of moral and
intellectual attainments, it is necessary to seek wisdom and strength
from God, and to observe strict temperance in all the habits of life.
In the experience of Daniel and his companions we have an instance
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of the triumph of principle over temptation to indulge the appetite.
It shows us that through religious principle young men may triumph
over the lusts of the flesh, and remain true to God’s requirements,
even though it cost them a great sacrifice.
What if Daniel and his companions had made a compromise
with those heathen officers, and had yielded to the pressure of the
occasion, by eating and drinking as was customary with the Babylo-
nians? That single instance of departure from principle would have
weakened their sense of right and their abhorrence of wrong. Indul-
gence of appetite would have involved the sacrifice of physical vigor,
clearness of intellect, and spiritual power. One wrong step would
probably have led to others, until, their connection with Heaven
being severed, they would have been swept away by temptation.
God has said, “Them that honor Me I will honor.” While Daniel
clung to his God with unwavering trust, the Spirit of prophetic power
came upon him. While he was instructed of man in the duties of
court life, he was taught of God to read the mysteries of future
ages, and to present to coming generations, through figures and
similitudes, the wonderful things that would come to pass in the last
days.
The Sanctified Life, 15-19
.
The Hebrew youth did not act presumptuously, but in firm re-
liance upon God. They did not choose to be singular, but they would
be so rather than dishonor God.
Prophets and Kings, 483
.