366 
may be on the subject, we look at the principle rather than 
the detail; and feel persuaded, that as they admit the 
principle, they will readily be brought to understand and to 
feel its application. 
Nor do we consider it the least important circumstance 
in their favour, that a day of rest is universally allowed to 
the slaves, whether at stated or uncertain intervals. On 
these days, a total cessation of compulsory labour is ad¬ 
mitted; and, although it is at present a purely civil, or 
rather benevolent appointment, depending upon the will 
of the master; yet, as we observed in the last case, the 
principle does exist: and when the nature of the Christian 
sabbath comes to be explained to and understood by them, 
the transition from a day of rest to a day of activity in the 
service of God, will meet with no opposition arising from 
motives of avarice or inhumanity. 
But we expect much from the auspicious circumstances 
under which Christianity has received its introduction into 
Madagascar. In this view of the subject, we consider the 
treatment the natives have experienced from Europeans, in 
former times, as forming so strong a contrast with the 
conduct of the British at the present period, that the effect 
must necessarily be great. Hitherto these people have 
seen the dark side of European character only. In the first 
instance, when an attempt was made to form an establish¬ 
ment amongst them, whether it was to be of a commercial, 
a political, or a religious nature, the same means were 
made use of to enforce it. War and rapine, fire and 
sword, were employed ; and the poor frightened inhabitants, 
who escaped, were obliged, if proselytism was the object, 
to submit to the conquerors; and, knowing nothing of the 
absurdity of popery, thought themselves happy in saving their 
lives by adopting the idolatrous and preposterous mummery 
wife was the cause of all the mischief and ordered them both to reside in 
the sea in future. The roaring of the ocean is believed to be nothing less 
than the devil and his spouse weeping for their children. 
