“ON our return to the Capital, they had again an audience of HER MAJESTY and MYSELF in the Palace, and on that occasion they presented your Address, dated London, June 30, 1873, together with the various presents sent by your SOCIETY to HER MAJESTY and MYSELF. “The Address has been carefully perused, and its contents duly noted by HER MAJESTY, and I am authorised by HER to answer it. “I have to inform you that, through the blessings of the DIVINE BEING, HER MAJESTY the QUEEN, MYSELF and all the members of the Government, are well. The Kingdom enjoys peace; but, more than that, HER MAJESTY is happy to tell you, that by the power of the MOST HIGH and the mercy of JESUS CHRIST our SAVIOUR, according to the saying, ‘THE KING’S HEART is in the hands of the LORD,’ GOD has shown mercy to our SOVEREIGN, and has enlightened HER to know JESUS CHRIST, and has endowed HER with strength, so that from the time when she began to receive the GOSPEL, SHE has led and encouraged her subjects to serve GOD and pray to HIM through JESUS CHRIST, and to be diligent in using all opportunities of acquiring useful knowledge. SHE has also done her best to help the missionaries of your SOCIETY, so that, during the reign of HER MAJESTY RANAVALOMANJAKA, the Kingdom of CHRIST has made great progress in MADAGASCAR, and the number of believers has increased more than during any period, notwithstanding the way in which the missionaries for many years contended with difficulties, and exerted themselves to the utmost. But still the QUEEN continues to pray GOD that His Kingdom may advance until the joyful words shall be fulfilled which say, ‘They shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord,’ “HER MAJESTY the QUEEN thanks you, the DIRECTORS, and all the constituents of the Society, because she knows your ardent desire to benefit her kingdom by your sending Missionaries and Teachers to preach and teach the GOSPEL and other useful knowledge, from the reign of HIS MAJESTY RADÁMA I. to the present time. HER MAJESTY therefore wishes me to assure you that the missionaries and teachers sent by you to labour in Madagascar shall continue to enjoy HER protection, and be allowed full liberty to preach the Gospel, and to impart useful knowledge in accordance with the laws of the kingdom.