Thirty years ago, in March, 1836,
on a Sunday morning, the little prison of the capital at
Ambatonakanga was opened, and a young woman was led forth to be put
to death. She was just thirty, fair to look upon, and of gentle
manners; and her face was lit with that bright radiance which springs
from the conviction that God and heaven are very near. She walked
forth with firm step; she was surrounded by the guards; and though
going to die, she began to sing in a joyous tone the hymns that she
had loved. Followed by a crowd, of which some hooted and some were
lost in wonder, she passed through the city, towards the dreary ditch
at the south end of the long ridge on which the capital is built.
The scene before her and on either side was one of unusual beauty.
East, west, and south, the broad green plain of Imerina stretched
to the distant horizon, presenting to the eye bright gleams of lakes
and watercourses, of fertile fields and wooded hills; amongst which
nestled the rich villages, and the flocks and herds were feeding in
peace. She saw it not. She saw not the smiling land, the taunting
crowd, the cruel executioner: she saw only the face of her Lord.
Descending the hill, she knelt to pray; and so praying she was speared.
No common honour descended upon her that day: she was the first martyr
of Christ's church in the island of Madagascar. "Strange is it," said
the executioner, "there is a charm about these people; they do not
fear to die."

Thirty-two years have passed away. Again the crowds gather at the
"White Village," and another woman comes down to pray, the object
of attraction to all eyes. But this is the QUEEN of Madagascar. On
the white ridge which overhangs the ditch where RASALAMA died, stands
a handsome church, with its lofty spire, which has been erected to
her memory, and will bear her name upon its walls. The church is
crowded with christian worshippers, and vast numbers are compelled
to remain outside. The Queen, not a persecutor, but a friend, comes
to join her people in dedicating the church to Christian worship;
and, in special sympathy with the occasion, offers her Bible for
pulpit use. The Prime Minister, whose predecessor had assigned
christians to death, now urges his countrymen, in stirring words,
to believe in CHRIST, because He is the Saviour of the world. To all
who are present, ruler and subjects, the occasion is one of unfeigned
joy. Once more the Queen and her christian subjects met before the