“Young Men Wanted-Separate from the World-Out and out for God-Devoted to Christ -Young Men, in whom the Holy Spirit of God not only dwells, but RULES.”
The foregoing paragraph in a letter written by a beloved brother in the Lord, impressed us very much. We could not refrain from expressing the fervent wish that it might be true of us. As we mused, our thoughts reverted to Daniel. We wondered why his history is set before us in such detail in the Holy Scriptures. We remembered the words, "Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning," (Rom. 15:4), and as, with this in view, we studied his lifer we noticed three outstanding features that characterized him, and which, we are persuaded, are essential, if we are to respond to this call of God, and if we are, in any measure, to realize the vast possibilities of life. These are:-
PURPOSE-PRAYER-PROGRESS.
PURPOSE.-When quite a youth, Daniel was carried into captivity, and that because he belonged to the people of God. We presume he had feelings like any other young man, and would not be elated, as he contemplated prospects blighted and hopes blasted. Presently, however, if we may use a worldly expression. fortune seemed to smile upon him. The king wanted young men of ability to fill certain responsible positions. Daniel seemed to be a likely candidate. Position and power were within his reach, but here came the severe test. Aspirants had to eat the king's meat and drink the king's wine, and "Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself." (Dan. 1:8.) The Prince of the Eunuchs reasoned-Said he in effect, "You will certainly miss your opportunity; still more serious, if I hearken to you I may lose my head. Furthermore, others 'of your sort' (Dan. 1:10) are submitting to this, and why should you appear so odd, or set yourself up as being so much better than your brethren?" But Daniel could not be moved from his purpose; God was with him, his request was granted, and Chapter 1 tells the story of his victory. Observe! His being a man of purpose made him a separate man. Young men! if we are to answer to this call; if we are to be men of God, there must be on our part, separation from the world in every shape and form.
The king's meat means one thing in your history, another thing in mine. It may be the cigarette or the pipe, the newspaper or the novel-anything that could not exactly be called sinful, but which gratifies the flesh, and does not glorify God. Shall we then purpose in our hearts that we will not defile ourselves with the king's meat? The measure of our separation will be the measure of our power. The necessary result of the Holy Spirit ruling in us will be, that by engaging our heart with the Lord Jesus where He is now at the right hand of God, He will detach us from this world, where Christ is not, and thus make us a living, active, powerful testimony for Christ in this world.
PRAYER.-We notice next, that Daniel was a man of prayer. He was by no means a man of leisure. Ease was a word that did not seem to find a place in his vocabulary. Immersed in the business of the State, alive to his duty as a responsible servant, and conscientious in the discharge of all that fell to his lot, he, nevertheless, found opportunity three times a day to pray. (Dan. 6:10.) We feel that just here we touch a tender point, yet one of vital importance. If we are to have power with God and with men, we must make time to pray. It may necessitate our wrenching ourselves from Blanket Square half-an-hour earlier in the morning, and returning thither half-an-hour later at night. It may claim from us the spare minutes at lunch time that we, at present, devote to recreative reading. Be that as it may, we must pray! and PRAY!! and PRAY!!! if we are to be men of God in this Godless world. How many of us in our unconverted days did not mind rising early for a day's so-called pleasure, or remaining till the small hours at the dance, the billiards, etc., denying ourselves many of the comforts of this life, that we might minister to the flesh. Is our precious Lord not worthy? Is not our desire, to be here wholly for Him, sufficiently strong to cause us to find time to spend in His presence, that we may be equipped by Himself, and get from Him needed grace and strength to be efficient witnesses for Him during His absence? Behind Daniel's practice was determination, behind his determination was devotedness, and behind his devotedness was God Himself. So thoroughly did the claims of God press upon that young man's soul, that he determined to be and to do for God at all costs, and on bended knee, in His presence, he got all that he required for his brilliant testimony.
(To be continued.)