superior to all human edicts. In all things pertaining to the government,
we have faithfully endeavored to do thy will, and obey the directions of
our sovereign. But not until this day have we been required to deny our
religion, and insult our God. To thee, O king, we are much indebted. For
many years have we been the objects of thy kind regard. But be it known
to Nebuchadnezzar, that the continuance of his favor is not to be
purchased by a base betrayal of our principles, or a denial of our God.
We cannot serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast
set up. We bow the knee to God Most High alone! To us thy fiery furnace
has no terrors! Jehovah, in whom we trust, is able to deliver us. That
God who divided the Red Sea in two parts and made Israel to pass through
the midst of it, and who parted the waves of the swelling Jordan, is able
to preserve thy servants alive in the midst of the devouring flames! Yea,
he will deliver us out of thy hand, O king! But, if in this we are
mistaken, be it known unto thee, that toe can never obey any law of man
that requireth a violation of the law of God. Therefore, we refuse to
serve thy gods, or worship this golden image which thou hast set up."

"Seize the ungrateful wretches!" cried the king, in a rage, while
paleness spread over his countenance. "Seize all who set my authority at
naught, and who thus insult their king! By the gods, now shall they feel
the weight of my displeasure, and reap the reward of their daring
insolence! Let the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Let
the worthless dogs be thrown in, and let their God, if he be able, prove
himself superior to the gods of Chaldea! Bind them now, in my presence!"

The three brothers were seized on the spot by several strong men, and
bound hand and foot with cords. When this was done, they were conveyed in
the direction of the fiery furnace. The news soon spread throughout the
assemblage, and pressing thousands urged their way towards the place of