HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
441 
CHAR XVI. 
Continued attention of the people to religious instruction—Beneficial effects 
of the labours of the artisans—Baptism of the first converts in Mada¬ 
gascar—Notice of a celebrated diviner—Letter of a native convert— 
Persecution of native Christians—Spiritual prosperity of the Mission— 
Natives forbidden to receive the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper—Orga¬ 
nization of a Christian church in Madagascar—Return of Mr. Freeman 
from the Cape of Good Hope, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson— 
Natives forbidden to receive the rite of baptism—Examination of the 
schools—The teaching of slaves to read, prohibited—Mr. and Mrs. Atkin¬ 
son required to leave the country—Notice of a slave-convert—Departure 
of Mr. Baker for England—Unsettled state of the country—Campaign 
to the south part of the island—Superstitious observances of the com¬ 
manding officer—His subsequent defeat—Conduct of the Christian sol¬ 
diers—Successful campaign to the south in 1832—Rumour of a renewed 
attack from the French—Arrival of a Roman Catholic emissary—Un¬ 
popularity of the government schools—Labours of the press—Zeal and 
devotedness of the native Christians—Description of a renowned Mala¬ 
gasy idol—Notice of its former worshippers—Return of Mr. and Mrs. 
Baker and Mrs. Freeman — Messrs. Griffiths and Canham ordered 
to leave the country. 
The encouragement which the Missionaries received from 
the authorities in the latter part of 1830, was rather in¬ 
creased during the early part of the following year, and 
important privileges were obtained for those among the 
natives who were inclined to profess their faith in Christ. 
The exertions of the press were continued with unabated 
vigour; and though chiefly engaged in printing separate 
books of the Old Testament, an edition of four thousand 
spelling-books, and other useful publications, were furnished 
for the people. In their immediate labours for the spiritual 
