HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
505 
To these, it is supposed, the love of plunder may be added, 
as the confiscation of the property of those who professed 
Christianity was probably expected, and, had it taken place, 
would, according to the usual practice in relation to crimi¬ 
nals, have been largely shared by those who were first to 
inform against them. 
So far as their presence, example, prayers, and sympathy 
could be rendered available for the comfort of the native 
Christians, the Missionaries were happy to encourage them; 
but beyond this, at the period under review, none dared 
to seek their counsel or aid. 
