EXPLANATION OF THE FRONTISPIECE. THE Six Refugees now in England are represented as waiting on the beach at Tamatave, where they embarked, and looking out while the vessel is beating up for the port. A principal aim has been to give good likenesses of the whole party, and it is thought the artist has succeeded well, in copying the painting which was executed for the purpose, with equal kindness and fidelity, by a lady whose heart has been long in the missionary field. To those acquainted with the features of the Malagasy refugees it is scarcely needful to say that, Rafaravavy sits calmly on the left, while Sarah is standing, dressed in blue, and meekly smiling at her side. David is pointing with his finger towards the vessel in sight, and James is eagerly listening to his remarks. Simeon, in mood grave and sedate, stands by the side of James, and Joseph sits on the ground on the right, taking his full share in the conversation. That they are supposed to have ventured out on the beach quite so boldly, and to have been dressed in colours quite so gay, at such a time, must be put to the artist's account. But the scenery is correct-the dresses faithfully show the native costume and mode of wearing it—and the waiting at Tamatave to embark is now a fact in history. The Vignette, in mournful contrast with the soft and inviting scenery of the Frontispiece, exhibits the harsh and revolting circumstances and manner of the martyrdom of Rasalama. She is kneeling, and just about to receive the first spear-others are being raised ready to repeat the blow; a young man stands on the right in the fore-ground, with his left hand placed on his mouth, while mournfully gazing on the cruel scene, and is intended to represent Rafaralahy, the second martyr of Madagascar. The dogs are waiting to devour their victim. a PREFACE. FEW events in the history of modern missions have created so intense an interest in the hearts of British Christians of all denominations, as the persecution to which the little flock of native converts in Madagascar has been subjected during the last five years. That interest must be contemplated as so much gain, on the broad scale, to the cause of Christian missions. It has awakened prayer and sympathy. It has confirmed many holy feelings and called forth many benevolent efforts. The "things which have happened" in Madagascar, and which for the moment obstruct the "free course " of the word of the Lord, must ultimately be overruled for the furtherance of the Gospel. 66 No weapon that is formed against Zion can prosper." The following narrative has been drawn up in compliance with the suggestions of many valued friends, who have wished to be in possession of a succinct and authentic account of the circumstances connected with the Christian church in Madagascar, and especially with the escape of the six refugees who have been now nearly a year in England. The History of Madagascar by the Rev. W. Ellis, lately published under the sanction of the London Mis *By Jackson and Co., Newgate Street. sionary Society, contains a narrative of the principal events which relate to the suppression of Christianity in that country in February, 1835, and of various subsequent events during the succeeding two years. The present volume might, therefore, seem almost superfluous; or at any rate a brief appendix to that work might be thought to supersede the necessity of this. There are, however, many persons in the religious community, to whom the larger work is not easily accessible; yet, having their best sympathies identified with the cause of missions, may be gratified, and, it is hoped, profited by the perusal of a small and cheap volume, such as is now prepared for their use. Mr. Ellis's work is the only existing complete view of the history and state of Madagascar. The narrative contained in this volume relates almost exclusively to the persecution. Readers who may wish for a more ample elucidation of the character of the country and its inhabitants and manners are referred to the copious details in Mr. Ellis's two volumes. In placing the history of the persecution contained in this volume in the hands of the Christian public, it is the earnest wish of the writers to create only such feelings as primitive Christians would have wished to create by a recital of the sufferings of their persecuted and afflicted brethren. They would neither indulge an acrimonious spirit, nor employ "wrathful" terms in describing the conduct of the unhappy and unrelenting persecutors. The religion of the Saviour inculcates on all, the spirit of meekness and love, the heartfelt forgiveness of injuries, with prayer for them that persecute and revile the |