y, and convenience, whether a people shall
build in wood or earth or stone. But the repeal meant more than this.
It was a veritable Reform Bill: it swept away old traditions,
conservative customs, and those rules and motives of the past which
were the buttresses of idolatry, and which had hitherto hindered all
public progress. It was a sign that this young nation had entered
on a new career of life and thought and happiness.

[Illustration: MADAGASCAR--GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE FOR THE MAKING
OF LAWS.]

On the day of the coronation three hundred thousand people gathered
to meet their sovereign. Preceded by a hundred ladies, and by her
Ministers and Council, the Queen was borne to the assembly in simple
state. The old scarlet banners, which were the emblems of the idols'
presence, were wanting in the procession. Around the canopy that
shaded her throne, were written the words of the angels which
welcomed the Redeemer into the world. In front and to her right stood
the table which bore her crown. On another table to the left, was
the Bible presented to her predecessor by the British and Foreign
Bible Society. Her royal speech contained many elevated sentiments:
but it specially announced to all her people liberty of conscience
in regard to christianity of the fullest kind. "This is my word to
you, O ye under heaven, in regard to the praying: it is not enforced:
it is not hindered: for God made you."

For several weeks in a quiet way worship was maintained, and the Bible
read in the palace on the Sabbath-day: the native ministers were
invited to conduct the service. In the country districts gratifying
advance has been made. Village chapels have increased in number. In
the sacred city of Ambohimanga which foreigners may not enter, two
churches have been gathered outside the walls: and on one occasion
one of the missionary brethren addressed a vast congregation in the
open market near. In Vonizongo the churches have increased. Far away
to the south of the capital, the visits of our brethren to the
BETSILEO awoke new life among the converts; and, among the forests
of Tanala, the noble princess Ittovana, one of the ablest among the
able nobles of the island, has declared herself a Christian.

The most conspicuous manifestation of the sympathy of the Queen and
her leading nobles with this advance of religious opinion appeared
in November last, on the opening of the second of the Memorial
Churches, the church at AMBOHIPOTSY.