470 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
people. The regret thus occasioned to the Missionaries 
was generally alleviated by the growing earnestness of 
many, both adults and children, to acquire the ability to 
read for themselves the Holy Scriptures. The numbers who 
thus voluntarily sought instruction, was greatly increased 
during the years 1833 and 4; and though large editions of 
the spelling, and other elementary books, were printed, 
sometimes amounting to nearly five thousand each, the 
Missionaries were not able to meet the growing demand. 
This disposition among the people encouraged and re¬ 
quired the utmost activity in the preparation of books; and 
in 1833, not fewer than fifteen thousand copies, and portions 
of the Scriptures, and other books, were furnished, and 
upwards of six thousand of them put into circulation as 
soon as they were ready. In the absence of Mr. Baker, 
the printing and bookbinding of the Mission was executed 
by the natives, whom he had taught before his departure 
for England, and by Mr, Kitching, one of the artisans. 
The Missionaries devoted much of their time to the 
translation and revision of the Old Testament, that in the 
event of any change in the views of the government, and 
other causes arising to suspend their labours, or remove 
them from the island, they might leave with the people the 
entire volume of divine revelation. In this important work, 
as well as in their stated labours in preaching the gospel, 
they were greatly encouraged by the increasing numbers 
attending on their ministry, and the decisive evidence 
given by the people, that the word they delivered was, by 
the favour of the Most High, rendered in many instances 
a savour of life unto life. 
The earnest desires after religious instruction, and the 
pleasing state of mind and feeling on this important sub¬ 
ject evinced by so many at the capital, extended also to 
