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PREFACE. 
events it narrates, and the scenes it describes, but 
excite deep interest, and stimulate to fervent prayer 
on behalf of the church in the midst of flames, and 
the nation in the present crisis of its history; and 
excite more ardent desires, that in Madagascar, and 
every other portion of the heathen world, the Gospel 
may have free course, and be glorified, until the earth 
shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the 
waters cover the sea. 
WILLIAM ELLIS. 
Pentonville, October 10th, 1838. 
