it was between 1820 and the death of Radama in 1828, that the Mission Schools, the printing press, and instruction in the industrial arts, laid deep the foundation of that education and enlightenment which have so greatly benefited the population at large.  And it was during those brief years the seeds were sown of that true spiritual life and christian principle which produced a native christian church, and enabled it, nourished by Divine grace, to bear the bitter persecution of twenty-six years.  No fiercer resolve to maintain an old national idolatry has been witnessed in modern days, than that from which this persecution sprang.  It was steadfast, uncompromising, and unrelenting.  Maintained throughout the lifetime of the persecutors, it was especially bitter and violent on three occasions. a.  In July, 1837, when the profession of christianity was forbidden, when all christian worship was stopped, and all books were ordered to be given up, our first martyr, a true christian woman, RASALAMA, was speared.  RAFARALAHY followed her, a year after.  In 1840 nine were speared; many hundreds were made slaves; two hundred at least became fugitives.  In 1842 the persecution extended to Vonizongo, and, of five brethren who suffered, two were executed, and three were poisoned.  By this time seventeen had lost their lives:  and both christian and heathen had learned the great lesson, that a true faith in Christ enables its followers without fear to meet all penalties for conscience’ sake, and even with gladness to lay down life itself. b.  The second great trial, intended to be more severe, fell on the scattered church with the year 1849.  Nineteen confessors were seized, but they answered their persecutors bravely, and looked on death without fear.  Fourteen were thrown over the lofty precipice; the four nobles sang hymns amid the burning flames, while the bright rainbow arched the heavens and inspired them with more than mortal joy.  Nineteen hundred of their faithful companions were fined; a hundred were flogged; many others were enslaved, and made “to serve with rigour” in public works, in felling timber and hewing stone.  But still was it true of these “children of Israel,” “the more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and grew.” c.  The third persecution was more bitter and resolute still.  In July, 1857, when mutiny and massacre were at their height in Upper India, fourteen were stoned to death at FIADANA, followed by seven others; and sixty-six were loaded with heavy chains.  The church was still more scattered; but many of the leading brethren were securely hidden, and “had their lives given them as a prey.”

In 1861 the church obtained its long-lost liberty, and was permitted again to profess its belief in open day.  Rich in faith, steadfast in principle, it only needed a wider range of Scripture knowledge and some little guidance in its public affairs.  Singularly free from the admixture of foreign elements in its constitution, it had pastors and teachers; the brethren were accustomed to edify one another, and were zealous for the spread of the truth among their fellow-countrymen.