512 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
The queen did not, at that time, think fit to inflict on her 
the punishment of death. She was condemned to be “very 
ilany,” that is, a pecuniary fine was imposed, equivalent to 
half the amount of her estimated value, if sold into slavery, 
and she was severely threatened, and warned, that “ though 
her life was spared, she should be taught a lesson not to 
trifle with the edict of the queen.” Scarcely could a more 
striking example of Christian forgiveness and meekness be 
found in all the records of the Church, than she displayed 
on this trying occasion. While many of the members of 
her family, indignant with her accusers, as slaves, who ill 
requited former kindness, threatened punishment, she 
assured them, on her liberation, that she cherished no 
resentment, but freely and fully forgave them. She sought 
Divine mercy on their behalf, earnestly admonished them, 
affectionately prayed with them, sought to lead them to 
repentance, and endeavoured to direct them to the Saviour 
Her exemplary Christian spirit towards her accusers, 
besides forming a further proof of the reality and the eleva¬ 
tion of her piety, has been followed by satisfactory evidence 
that her holy labours were not in vain. 
Shortly after this event, Messrs. Johns and Baker received 
indirect intimation that it was the wish of the government 
that they should leave the island. All means of usefulness 
to the people were for the present at an end; and the lives 
of the native Christians, who were known to have any inter¬ 
course with them, were constantly placed in jeopardy by the 
treachery and hostility of their enemies. Unable to dis¬ 
cover any favourable change in the views of the government, 
uncheered by any prospect of resuming their labours, and 
finding that their presence increased the troubles of the 
native Christians, without securing any equal advantage, 
the remaining brethren, after much prayer, and frequent 
