Article March 2, 1940 Issue

Protection through Innocence

[Written Especially for Young People]

MABEL SPICER GILL

Innocence before God is the explanation given by Daniel, in the familiar Bible story, for his protection when cast into the den of lions. Daniel had been reared in captivity at the Babylonian court, where he had remained innocent amid many temptations and much dissipation. His unusual ability and trustworthiness caused the king to place him at the head of his government, over all the princes. These became jealous and tricked the king into making a decree that required him to cast Daniel into the lions' den, because he continued openly to worship the one true God in defiance of the king's decree. The next morning, when the king, who loved Daniel greatly, came to the den of lions, he found Daniel safe and unharmed. In reply to the king's query, he replied: "O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt."

Daniel was innocent; he not only refused to do wrong, but dared to do right, because he knew that God is good and all-powerful. As Mrs. Eddy says on page 514 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "Understanding the control which Love held over all, Daniel felt safe in the lions' den, and Paul proved the viper to be harmless."

Daniel was one of the young princes of Judah who, because of their superior presence and intelligence, were taken as captives to Babylon at the time of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. They were there instructed in the learning and language of the Chaldeans, that they might enter the service of the king as members of the royal court.

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