The law of our God, with us, is regarded as infinitely
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.
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