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Updated: May 14, 2025
Rasalama was in truth the first martyr of Madagascar. She was slain in the year 1837. We have only transposed the date. Her story is given, without variation worthy of mention, from authentic records. Close to the spot where the heroic Rasalama knelt to pray and die, a large Memorial Church now stands, the spire of which forms a conspicuous object in every distant view of the city.
All night long was this terrific trial endured, but with the dawn of day came relief, for then the chains were relaxed; and so great was the change that poor Rasalama looked forward to the fate which she knew awaited her with feelings of joy. That fate was not long delayed.
The crowd, who had followed the procession with imprecations against the Christians, now ceased to shout. "Will you allow me a short time to pray?" asked Rasalama of the executioners. Her request being granted, she kneeled on the rocky ground, clasped her hands, and raised to Heaven a look of calm trustfulness, as she held communion for the last time on earth with her Redeemer.
They had by that time mingled with the dense crowd that stood on the brow of the precipice of Ambohipotsy to witness the execution. Pushing to the front with breathless anxiety, they were just in time to see Rasalama led forward by two men armed with spears.
"Let us quit this accursed spot." "Stay, sir, stay," whispered the sailor at his elbow, "you forget Mamba. More are comin'." More martyrs were indeed coming, as the singing of hymns proved. Close on the heels of Rasalama, a band of nine other Christians were carried to the place of execution, each with his feet and hands tied together and slung on a pole, the ends of which were borne by two men.
Soon they led her out of the prison, and took the road which conducted towards the southern extremity of the hill, on which the city stood, where was the tremendous precipice down which many a criminal and many a Christian martyr had already in Ranavalona's evil reign been hurled out of Time into Eternity. Yet this was not the gate through which Rasalama was to pass into Paradise.
Happily, in the case of Rasalama, the thrusts were either intentionally or accidentally more effective than usual. After a very brief struggle, her happy soul was set free to be "for ever with the Lord." In that ditch her poor mangled body was left to be devoured by the wild dogs that frequent all places in Madagascar where criminals suffer. "Oh, God!" exclaimed Mark, unable to repress a groan.
It will be wise if the persecutors think what they do, lest they bring on themselves the wrath of God. But I do not fear. When Hater-of-lies came to my house I rejoiced that I was counted worthy to suffer affliction for believing in Jesus." When this speech was reported to the judges, Rasalama was ordered to be put into heavier irons and severely beaten.
The intercession of friends of the accused produced no effect on the Queen, and even the pleading of Prince Rakota failed, in this instance, to do more than delay the execution for a few days. Meanwhile Rasalama was cast into prison and loaded with chains.
Next day the Prime Minister came to the Queen and reported that one lady, named Rasalama, who had not accused herself, had been accused by some of her slaves of attending religious meetings. "Is it possible," exclaimed the Queen, "that there is one so daring as to defy me? Go, let her be put to death at once!"
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