HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
443 
The chapel was opened for public worship on the 5th 
of June, 1831, and was regularly attended by a numerous 
and devout assembly, who received with seriousness and 
attention the instructions of Mr. Johns, who now laboured 
at this station. 
The efforts of the artisans were at this time highly prized 
by the government. Under Mr. Cameron alone, who was 
engaged in the construction of machinery, and other public 
works, nearly six hundred youths were constantly employed. 
Mr. Cameron, while instructing them in useful mechanic 
arts, paid the most persevering attention to their moral and 
spiritual improvement, and encouraged their regular at¬ 
tendance at the adjacent and newly-erected place of wor¬ 
ship, towards the building of which the government, as well 
as Mr. Cameron, and many friends at the capital and else¬ 
where, had contributed. Early in September, a suitable 
room, in the centre of the capital, was engaged for public 
worship; where the Missionaries, assisted by devoted 
and pious native preachers, dispensed instruction to the 
people. 
As Mr. Canham was not fully occupied in the secular 
pursuits to which he at first directed his attention, much of 
his time was now occupied in preaching and teaching at Am- 
bohimandroso, where, there is reason to believe, his efforts 
were acceptable and useful to many of the people. 
The exertions of the Missionaries had been rendered 
effectual, not only in arousing the attention of multitudes 
to the great truths of the gospel, but, as they had reason to 
believe, in producing a decisive change in the hearts of a 
number of those w r ho attended their ministrations. After 
much instruction by the Missionaries, and repeated inqui¬ 
ries from the natives, respecting the public profession of 
Christ by baptism, several of the latter expressed themselves 
