Article January 13, 1934 Issue

Ideals

[Written Especially for Young People]

MOLLIE ORR WALDRON

Our dear Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, tells us on page 3 of "The People's Idea of God" that "our ideals form our characters." We read in the Bible that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, after besieging and conquering Jerusalem, carried many away with him into captivity. Among others, a number of youths from the children of Israel, because of their comeliness, intelligence, and ability, were selected for service in the king's palace. To fit them for their work, Nebuchadnezzar gave orders that they were to be given suitable instruction. He also appointed them daily provision of food and wine from his own table, in order to bring out the condition which he required of them. Daniel was one of the youths thus chosen.

Thrown into the midst of a luxurious and idolatrous court, the youth evidently did not forget the religious teaching which he had received at home in the land of Judah. The Bible tells us that from his very entry into the school of the palace at Babylon he "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." He must have clearly perceived that, in order to refrain from eating what he had been taught to consider unclean food, this was the only course to pursue. He did not unconditionally refuse to partake of the royal dainties, but honestly stated his case to his guardian; and so obtained permission to eat in frugality the simple food to which he was accustomed. This favor was granted because he had won the respect of those in authority over him.

This victory over material sense indulgence is the first recorded test of Daniel's great moral courage; and it is further related that he continued to maintain his religious ideals, and many years later even his enemies were unable to find occasion against him, "neither was there any error or fault found in him." This acknowledgment of his integrity was indeed wonderful. It was a great victory to have won, from those who were trying to destroy him, such a recognition of the purity of his motives and aims.

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