MAR 31 1931 PREFACE THIS is not my first book about Madagascar, but none of the dozen or so, large and small, which I have already written, take up exactly the points which form the chief subjects of the following pages, nor do any of the books written by some of my brother missionaries. I believe, therefore, that the facts here given will be considered interesting, and as throwing light, not only on Christian and Church life among the Malagasy people, but also as a slight contribution to a wider history of missionary effort as a whole during the past fifty or sixty years. The year 1920 was the hundredth anniversary of the commencement of Christian work in the great African island; and its history during the past century is another proof that the Gospel is still "the power of God unto salvation " wherever it is faithfully proclaimed. I have had the singular privilege and joy of being allowed to labour in and for Madagascar for fifty-two years, and again in this country for more than eight years, so I hope that this record of some of my experiences during that long period may not be unacceptable to those who are doing their part in sending and taking the Gospel message to the unenlightened nations of the world. BROMLEY, KENT, November 1923. J. S. To the beloved memory of my Missionary Brothers and Sisters in Madagascar who have passed within the veil, especially of JOSEPH PEARSE, ANDREW DAVIDSON, CHARLES JUKES, HENRY E. CLARK, JAMES CROSS THORNE, CHRISTOPHER BORCHGREVINK, RICHARD BARON, AND PERCY MILLEDGE, this book is dedicated. CONTENTS PAGE Origin and Ancestry-of a Ministerial Family-Paternal and CHURCH BUILDING AMID DIFFICULTIES Madagascar Memorial Churches-Why built-Intense interest of English Christians in Madagascar-Rev. W. Ellis and his Visits there-Proposal to build Four Churches-Response to his Appeal— Inspection of Sites for the Churches-Began work at Ambatona- kanga-An Historic Spot-Difficulties of my Task-Loss of European help-Interruptions from Native Habits-Laying Top- stone of Spire-Opening Day-Commence Second Church- Malagasy Religion-No Organized Character, or Priesthood- Idolatry of Recent Origin-Ancient Beliefs-Embodied in numerous Proverbs-Examples of these-Malagasy Idolatry chiefly Fetishism -Witches and Wizards-Tangèna Poison Ordeal-Rise of Four National Idols-Their Names and supposed Powers-A Malagasy Delphic Oracle-Appearance of the Chief Idols-Their Destruction Observances-Monthly United Services-Malagasy adoption of Events between 1867 and 1870-Great outward Advance of THIRTY YEARS' WORK AS COLLEGE PRINCIPAL AND TUTOR . Necessity for Native Pastors and Evangelists-L.M.S. Theological College-First Tutors-Twofold Object of College-Work of Messrs. Toy and G. Cousins-My Appointment Our Malagasy Helpera College Buildings-Popular Lectures-College requisi- tioned by French Government-Smaller Building Erected- 66 Secular Students-Ministerial Students-Successes and Fail- ures-Wide-spread Influence of College-Training of Students' Wives-College Curriculum-Medicine and Surgery taught— Annual Meetings-Students' Dwellings-College becomes 122 Objects of the Journey-The Antsihànaka Province-Its In. |