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Self-control, March 12
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with
the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank:
therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not
defile himself.
Daniel 1:8
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The lesson here presented is one that we would do well to ponder. A strict
compliance with the Bible requirements will be a blessing both to body and
soul. The fruit of the Spirit is not only love, joy, and peace, but temperance
also. We are enjoined not to defile our bodies; for they are the temples of the
Holy Spirit.
The Hebrew captives 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 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....
The history of Daniel and his youthful companions has been recorded on
the pages of the Inspired Word, for the benefit of the youth of all succeeding
ages. Through the record of their fidelity to the principles of temperance, God
is speaking today to young men and young women, bidding them gather up
the precious rays of light He has given on the subject of Christian temperance,
and place themselves in right relation to the laws of health.—
The Youth’s
Instructor, July 9, 1903
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