T H E K I N G ’S B U S I N E S S immunity as did the Hebrew children, or by passing through it to obtain a mar tyr’s crown as saints without number, have done, singing at the stake and testifying that the flames were a bed of roses. God always delivers either in the trouble or out of the trouble, as His infinite wisdom may decide to be the best. FRIDAY, July 21. Psalm 57:1-11. My Soul is Among Lions. A Christian has taken sides with God and therefore while he is in the world he finds himself in a hostile environ ment. God’s enemies are his and he soon discovers that this vile world is not a friend to grace to help him on to God. Trials beset him on every hand, faith and fortitude are constantly and severely tested and although there is- a continuous battle, yet victory is assured and the discipline is that which fits him for Heaven. The indwelling Spirit is mightier than any combination of ex ternal circumstances or forces and heavenly re-enforcements are always available. The ship is safe in the water as long as the water is not in the ship. The Christian is safe in the world as long as the world is not in the Christian. SATURDAY, July 22. Rom.' 8:31-39. Conquerors Through Christ. - The most ancient symbol of the Chris tian life in the history of Christian art, is a fish. This is On account of its fins and scales. It is in the water as an element. The scales are to keep the water out and the fins are for propul sion through it. In like manner the Christian is in the world. He is forti fied against it by the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit and he has also’ the power of opposing every worldly tend ency and of moving against the current. “ Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” This explains the victory of the Christian life. It is incomprehensible to the world, but we are conquerors through Christ. The world is a defeated foe. SUNDAY, July 23. Heb. 11:32-40. Faith Triumphant. Danger not self-sought is perfect safety. Daniel was safer in the den of lions since he was there because of devotion to duty than he would have been outside in the king’s palace, having compromised with duty. Jesus was safer on the pinnacle of the temple resist ing satanic blandishments than in walk-
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to the lions. Darius was worshipped with Divine honors and yet he was the slave of his wicked subjects. Men are the slaves of those who flatter them. He weakly yielded and gave up Daniel to his fate, only saying, “ Thy god will deliver thee.” On the king’s part this was more superstition than faith. Nev ertheless, he mourned for Daniel, realiz ing that his own weakness was responsi ble for it all. He fasted and could not sleep, having no heart for entertain ment. Men always admire fidelity and steadfastness in others, however lack ing they may be in these qualities them selves. Prayer for Daniel’s safety was doubtless joined with the fasting and Daniel’s danger cost the king a sleep less night. WEDNESDAY, July 19. Daniel 6:19-28. A Great Deliverance. When Darius went to the den of lions in the morning he had some hope that Daniel was alive and yet he feared that he was not. He recognized the God of Daniel in expressing the hope of deliver ance, but now he expresses doubt as to the outcome. How great must have been his relief in hearing the saluta tion of Daniel. There had been neither music nor slumber in the palace, but Daniel had slept the sleep of the just with a liotfs tawny mane for a pillow. Moreover, Daniel had not been alone. The angel of the Lord had kept him company. The prophet asserts his inno cence toward God and man. He could not admit that he had wronged the king by praying to the God of heaven. He could not obey a wicked law and was conscious of no guilt in disobeying. The God of Daniel is still the Deliverer of His people. “ Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone, Dare to have a purpose true, dare to make it known.” ... THURSDAY, July 20. Daniel 3:19-23. A Test of Faith. Daniel must have been away on some matter of public business or he would surely have been with Shadrach, Me- shach: and Abednego in the fiery furnace. The times of the Gentiles begin and end with an image. Rev. 13:15. History repeats itself. The souls under the altar, Rev. 6:9, are Jewish martyrs whose testimony could not be shaken by the prospect of death. Faith “ quenches the violence of fire” , Heb. 11:34, either by passing through with impunity and
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