THE FRUIT OF THE PURPOSE.
[See Sabbath-school Lesson, Page 14.] THE purpose is stated in verse 8 of Daniel 1: "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's dainties, nor with the wine which he drank." He was God's servant, bought with a price. He would not defile himself with the king's food. Why? What was wrong about this royal dietary? 1. Included in it, doubtless, was the flesh of swine, and other animals which were not only prohibited by the ceremonial law of the Jews, but were ill-fitted to build up the best physique. Daniel would neither set a bad example to his brethren in captivity, nor disobey God himself. 2. The food was dedicated to false gods; and while Daniel knew that the idols Babylon worshiped were nothing, the principles they represented were evil, and he would not even seem to compromise with wrong. 3. The dainty food was not fitted to high aspirations, nor to clear, pure thinking. It would make corrupt blood and an enfeebled, corrupt body. Wine is ever debasing to mind and heart. Daniel had doubtless seen its effect already in Judea, and in greater degree in luxurious, pleasure-loving Babylon. Surely these were sufficient reasons from a physical and mental view for refusing the royal fare. What made these reasons conclusive was their deeper spiritual import. Daniel belonged to God. His body was the temple of the Holy Ghost. He could not, as a temple of righteousness, give place to unrighteousness. He could not, as a lamp of God's lighting, have communion with darkness. He could not, as Christ's representative, have concord with Belial. He could not, as a believer, act as an unbeliever. He could not, as a temple of God, have agreement with idols. 2 Cor. 6:14-16. In all things he must stand free, and his three companions stood with him. What was the result? - God wrought with him. He could not have done this, if Daniel had gone on frowardly, seeking his own honor or pleasure: for then "how should My name be profaned? and My glory will I not give to another." Isa. 48:11. "I am Jehovah, that is My name; and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise unto graven images." Isa. 42:8. But Daniel and his fellows had so connected with God that He was "able to do exceeding abundantly above all" that they asked or thought, according to the power that wrought in Jesus Christ, when it raised Him from the dead. Eph. 3:20; 1:19, 20. God did for and through these young Hebrews what He would have done for and through the whole Jewish people, if they had only been loyal to God and the high mission to which He had called them. Babylon needed to know the true God; and God would give them the opportunity of knowing. He therefore revealed Himself in His living temple, the church, represented by these four youth. "God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. . . . And the king communed with them [his wise men]; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. . . . And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his realm." Thus will God ever work for those and through those who are with full purpose of heart consecrated to His high calling, who truly count themselves temples of the living God.