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 year closed.  On Christmas Day the palace court was crowded by converts wishing to present their congratulations, and, at the Queen’s request, they sang some of their hymns and offered prayer.  The Report of the Mission speaks of 20,000 hearers added to the congregations during last year; and returns the converts at 37,000 persons, including 7,000 members.

Now we hear, on the very eve of this May anniversary, that the Queen herself has been baptized.  Humbly and simply, like one of her subjects, she has sought instruction from her Native Pastors; has told the story of the growth of her convictions; and has not been afraid to confess her faith.

All this the Directors of the Society have observed with deepest thankfulness; and they know that many have sympathized with this feeling, and have joined them in recognizing these wondrous answers to prayer.  But they feel that heavy responsibilities still rest upon them as christian men; and that continued care and grace are needed from the Spirit of God to keep these young churches from surrounding perils.  They have a very definite work before them, and definite principle to guide them in the doing of it.  The third Memorial Church is being completed, and plans have been adopted for the fourth.  They are strengthening the country mission among the Betsileo tribes; increased