RULY in Madagascar, the Saviour's words are fulfilled, "Your sorrow shall be turned into joy." Not only are the Christians not persecuted, they No. 2.-FEBRUARY, 1869. C everywhere appear to be recognized as the "people whom the Lord hath blessed." The chapels in the capital are still crowded to overflowing. Native pastors have been preaching in the Queen's palace, and the Prime Minister has been in attendance on public worship, while in the remote districts of the island the Word is having free course. It is as if a voice from Heaven were now saying to the Christians there, "Arise and shine, for thy light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon Thee." The good Queen, who has renounced idolatry, and acknowledges the one living and true God, has been recently crowned, and her coronation day was one of joy long to be remembered. About 400,000 people were gathered together on the occasion. The missionaries were very kindly invited to be present, and were conducted to seats, at no great distance from the Queen, who was arrayed in a "moiré-antique" dress embroidered with gold, the work of the natives. Instead of the strips of red cloth or velvet, which, as an emblem of the presence of the idols, were usually carried and held before the sovereign--there was a white satin flag bearing the initials of the Queen and a crown, bordered with silver coloured silk; this was carried before her. One hundred ladies, all in European dresses, some of them being of a most costly description, formed part of the procession, walking, two and two. Then came the Prime Minister and the members of the national council, who marched immediately before the Queen, who was borne along in her royal palanquin. After standing on the holy stone at Andohalo, according to custom, the Queen walked to an elevation beneath a canopy, where she was to be enthroned. Around the four sides of the frieze of the canopy were inscribed in brass letters these significant words, On the right hand of the Queen there was a table on which was placed her crown. On the left was another table, on which was a Bible resting on a cushion. The Queen then delivered a noble speech, telling them how she meant to govern in righteousness, and gave them all liberty to worship God as their own consciences might require. The speech was well received, and after that the Prime Minister spoke and preached quite "a sermon " to the people. The laws of the kingdom were then read, and the great chiefs came forward to take the oath of obedience and loyalty, each one making a short and suitable speech. The next day there was another royal procession, and the treasurer and secretary of our Mission were invited to join it, as a mark of respect to them and the Mission in general. Thus we see how much reason we have to rejoice in |