100 and worship the golden image; and whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews, whom thfou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Me shach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee, they serve not thy gods, nor wofship the golden image which thou hast set up." These informers knew they thought it wrong towards God to worship idols; but they artfully insinuated a contempt for the king, and a wish to defy his authority. Nebuchadnezzar had not been accustomed to be disobeyed or contradicted. Nor, is any had been so daring as to oppose his will, would he have escaped without severể punishment. Besides, he was at that moment ri of pride at his great success, and at seeing all the great men of the east acknowledging his authority. Who then were these captive Jews, that they should dare to disobey the king of Babylon In a great rage he ordered them to be brought before him. This was instantly done. He then said to them in a loud and furious tone, “Is
