He Purposed in His Heart
By H.
TWO characteristics show themselves in the attitude which Daniel assumed when he was taken captive to Babylon. He recognized his position in the strange city, and evidently exercised tact in dealing with those over him, for he won them. His first test was the temptation to do wrong in partaking of the king’s dainties. This he could not do, and therefore “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s dainties.” He would not yield to do anything which he knew to be wrong; he purposed never to yield to any known sin. Victory in this matter, which came when Daniel was but a young man, gave him power to stand when another great test came; it made the strong boy a stronger man. So when the decree went forth that every subject of the king of Babylon should cease praying to his gods and asking favors of any man, preferring all requests to the king, one man in that realm did “as he did aforetime.” Three times each day he knelt by his open window, and with his face turned lovingly toward Jerusalem, his boyhood home,—the sacred home of his fathers, the center of his people’s worship,—he “prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” It was the purpose of his life being worked out in another phase, that he would never omit any known duty. Victory came in each case. Year after year the faithful man of God performed his duties, yielding to no temptation, neglecting no known duty. Kings died, changes came in the government, new officers were appointed; still Daniel was the most honored of all. A hostile nation took the kingdom; Daniel held his place still, the twofold purpose of his youth still his standard. What wonder that a greater King than these sent by the mouth of the angel of God the message, “O man greatly beloved, fear not!” H.