361 
from a despotic monarch of a supposed horde of barba¬ 
rians. 
In consequence of this appeal, the directors took under 
their protection the nine Madegasse youths; and, in 
answer to the letter of the king, pledged themselves, that 
missionaries should be sent to instruct the people. Agree¬ 
able to this pledge, they, in August following, sent the 
Rev. Mr. Jefferies, in quality of missionary, and four other 
persons as mechanics. The Madegasse youths are at 
present at the British and Foreign School, to receive an 
education in reading and writing; and when that is accom¬ 
plished, they are to be placed under proper masters, to he 
instructed in various trades and manufactures. 
To return to the missionaries. At the court of Radama 
these worthy men have experienced that cordial protec¬ 
tion and support which evinces the sincerity of their royal 
patron. A house has been provided for them, and two 
servants appointed to attend them. Mr. Jones has had 
sixteen children placed under his care, by his Majesty, to 
receive an English education. Three of these are children 
of his sister, and one of them is heir to the crown ; the 
others are of noble birth, and all possess good understand¬ 
ing and talents. In proof of which, Mr. Jones mentions 
one, only six years of age, who, after six months’ instruc¬ 
tion, began to read portions of the Scriptures in English. 
In communicating the principles of Christianity, much 
difficulty is experienced for want of words in their lan¬ 
guage to express ideas on those subjects. This appears, 
indeed, to be a difficulty with adults, as well as with 
children ; but the introduction of the English language, 
which is now to be taught and spoken instead of the 
French*, will facilitate the object. 
* We do not mean to infer from this, that the French language does 
not possess terms to express evangelical sentiments; but we must infer 
from the ignorance of those Madegassss who understand that language, 
that they had never heard the subject discussed, and that no attempts had 
been made to Uppart it to them. 
