Basic HTML Version
Daniel’s Example
155
The Reward for Temperance for Us, Too
—The Hebrew cap-
tives were men of like passions with ourselves. Amid the seductive
influences of the luxurious courts of Babylon, they stood firm. The
youth of today are surrounded with allurements to self-indulgence.
Especially in our large cities, every form of sensual gratification is
made easy and inviting. Those who, like Daniel, refuse to defile
[156]
themselves, will reap the reward of temperate habits. With their
greater physical stamina and increased power of endurance, they
have a bank of deposit upon which to draw in case of emergency.
Right physical habits promote mental superiority. Intellectual
power, physical stamina, and length of life depend upon immutable
laws. Nature’s God will not interfere to preserve men from the
consequences of violating nature’s requirements. He who strives for
the mastery must be temperate in all things. Daniel’s clearness of
mind and firmness of purpose, his power in acquiring knowledge and
in resisting temptation, were due in a great degree to the plainness
of his diet, in connection with his life of prayer.
There is much sterling truth in the adage, “Every man is the
architect of his own fortune.” While parents are responsible for the
stamp of character, as well as for the education and training, of their
sons and daughters, it is still true that our position and usefulness in
the world depend, to a great degree, upon our own course of action.
Daniel and his companions enjoyed the benefits of correct training
and education in early life, but these advantages alone would not
have made them what they were. The time came when they must
act for themselves,—when their future depended upon their own
course. Then they decided to be true to the lessons given them in
childhood. The fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, was
the foundation of their greatness.—
The Youth’s Instructor, July 9,
1903
.