Daniel 1:21

Daniel continued unto the first year of King Cyrus.

That is, his lifetime spanned the entire period of the Captivity, and he was permitted to see the return of the exiles to Jerusalem, which took in the first year of King Cyrus. Possibly it was his great influence that induced the latter king to permit their return. It is not said that he died then, but he was permitted to see, that joyful epoch. It is commonly believed that he remained in Chaldea, probably detained by his high employments, when the captives returned, and that he died either at Babylon or Shushan.

PRACTICAL AND SUGGESTIVE.

1. If there is. noble manhood there must be. manly boyhood. It is the boy of principle, truthful, upright, courageous, who makes the man. It is idle to expect that the rakish youth who chooses to sow wild oats, indulge in vicious pleasures and knavish pranks, will make. useful citizen. "Whatsoever. man soweth, that will he also reap."

2. It is not right "when we are in Rome to do as Rome does." One must be able to say NO. Only the person who can breast the current, refuse the temptation to sinful practices, and reject evil examples, will live, an upright life. Our surroundings must never control our conduct; we must rise superior to our surroundings.

3. One is not excused from duty because he is away from home. Daniel and his companions were carried as captives many hundred miles from the temple, Jerusalem, and the places of the worship of their fathers, but they carried with them the law of God in their hearts. How many religious people now, when they go from home on. vacation or business take. vacation from their religious duties! If our religious principles control the heart they cannot be cast off like an outer garment.

4. There is little hope for anyone who does not form temperance principles in youth. Parents should set the example of temperate habits and form such habits in their children. They should, from the outset, be pledged against tobacco, liquor in all its forms, and be trained to choose frugal and healthful diet. Thus, health, beauty, long life, usefulness, manly lives, and vigorous intelligence will be promoted. The influence of the Sunday-school teacher should be thrown in the same direction. Little can be done with the grown up people who have formed their habits; the hope of reform is in the children. Form the boys into "Daniel Clubs."

5. Not long ago, during the discussion of prohibition in Des Moines, Iowa, the inmates of the city jail prepared and sent. letter to the press, in which they declared that liquor had sent them there. Three-fourths of those in State prisons are persons of intemperate habits, and almost all frequent saloons. The youth who firmly resolves never to touch liquor is almost sure to follow. path of rectitude and honor, while one who learns to tipple in youth has the chances against him. "I would give. farm," said Ca wealthy citizen of Ogle county, Ill., "if. had never learned to drink liquor."

6. Trained in Christ's family. According to Xenophon's Memorabilia, the ancient Persian monarchs selected for the training of their princes the four best men in the kingdom,--the wisest man, the most just man, the most temperate man, and the bravest man.--that the princes under these might be best fitted to be kings and rulers. All these, the disciples of Christ find united in their one Master, who is the, wisest, most just, most temperate, and most brave being in the universe. And whosoever take him for their teacher will be fitted to be kings and priests in the kingdom of God.-- P.