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Temperance
the close of the three years of training, none were found “like Daniel,
Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.” Their keen apprehension, their
choice and exact language, their extensive and varied knowledge,
testified to the unimpaired strength and vigor of their mental powers.
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The history of Daniel and his companions has been recorded on
the pages of the Inspired Word for the benefit of the youth of all suc-
ceeding ages. Those who would preserve their powers unimpaired
for the service of God must observe strict temperance in the use of
all His bounties, as well as total abstinence from every injurious or
debasing indulgence. What men have done, men may do. Did those
faithful Hebrews stand firm amid great temptation, and bear a noble
testimony in favor of true temperance? The youth of today may
bear a similar testimony, even under circumstances as unfavorable.
Would that they would emulate the example of those Hebrew youth;
for all who will, may, like them, enjoy the favor and blessing of God.
Money That Might Have Done Good
—There is still another
aspect of the temperance question which should be carefully con-
sidered. Not only is the use of unnatural stimulants needless and
pernicious, but it is also extravagant and wasteful. An immense sum
is thus squandered every year. The money that is spent for tobacco
would support all the missions in the world; the means worse than
wasted upon strong drink would educate the youth now drifting into
a life of ignorance and crime, and prepare them to do a noble work
for God. There are thousands upon thousands of parents who spend
their earnings in self-indulgence, robbing their children of food and
clothing and the benefits of education. And multitudes of professed
Christians encourage these practices by their example. What account
will be rendered to God for this waste of His bounties?
Money is one of the gifts entrusted to us with which to feed the
hungry, to clothe the naked, to minister to the afflicted, and to send
the gospel to the poor. But how is this work neglected! When the
Master shall come to reckon with His servants, will He not say to
many, “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did
it not to Me”? All around us there is work to do for God. Our means,
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our time, our strength, and our influence are needed. Shall we take
hold of this work, and live to glorify God and bless our fellow men?
Shall we build up the Lord’s kingdom in the earth?