‘Christian: “The mountains are but earth to be trodden upon, and the idols are but wood from which houses are built, quite lifeless, the work of God’s hands—hence we cannot pray to them or worship them.”
‘Officer: “Will you not pray to Andrìanampòinimèrina and Radàma?”
‘Christian: “Andrìanampòinimèrina and Radàma were worthy of reverence as sovereigns while here on earth; but as to worshipping them, that cannot be done, as the objects of worship cannot be increased.”
‘Officer: “Will you not worship Her Majesty Rabòdonàndrìanampòinimèrina?”
‘Christian: “Rabòdonàndrìanampòinimèrina is the sovereign appointed by God to be served and obeyed; but she is only human, hence we cannot worship her, we can only worship God.”
‘Officer: “Won’t you take the oath?”
‘Christian: “We cannot do so, and we have vowed not to do so.”
‘Officer: “Do you still regard the Sabbath day as sacred, and abstain from all work on it?”
‘Christian: “The Sabbath is a day set apart for the service of God; during the six days we labour and do all our work, but we still hold the Sabbath sacred.”
‘Officer: “Why do you say that you will not worship or pray to any one except God; and yet you worship and pray to Jehovah and Jesus Christ?”