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UNWIN BROTHERS, LIMITED, LONDON AND WOKING

MAR 31 1931
DS738
SI12

PREFACE

THIS is not my first book about Madagascar, but none of the dozen or so, large and small, which I have already written, take up exactly the points which form the chief subjects of the following pages, nor do any of the books written by some of my brother missionaries.

I believe, therefore, that the facts here given will be considered interesting, and as throwing light, not only on Christian and Church life among the Malagasy people, but also as a slight contribution to a wider history of missionary effort as a whole during the past fifty or sixty years.

The year 1920 was the hundredth anniversary of the commencement of Christian work in the great African island; and its history during the past century is another proof that the Gospel is still "the power of God unto salvation " wherever it is faithfully proclaimed.

I have had the singular privilege and joy of being allowed to labour in and for Madagascar for fifty-two years, and again in this country for more than eight years, so I hope that this record of some of my experiences during that long period may not be unacceptable to those who are doing their part in sending and taking the Gospel message to the unenlightened nations of the world.

BROMLEY, KENT,

November 1923.

J. S.

To the beloved memory of

my Missionary Brothers and Sisters in Madagascar

who have passed within the veil,

especially of

JOSEPH PEARSE, ANDREW DAVIDSON, CHARLES JUKES, HENRY E. CLARK, JAMES CROSS THORNE, CHRISTOPHER BORCHGREVINK, RICHARD BARON, AND PERCY MILLEDGE,

this book is dedicated.

CONTENTS

PAGE

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MOSTLY AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL

Origin and Ancestry-of a Ministerial Family-Paternal and
Maternal Grandfathers-Father and Father-in-law-Connection
with different Churches-Family Name-Spanish Huguenot
Descent-Circumstances resulting in-First going to Madagascar.

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Observances-Monthly United Services-Malagasy adoption of
European Dress-Borrowing English Clothes-Sunday School
Work-English Services-Village Chapel Openings-Opening of
Mission Hospital-Monthly Magazine commenced-Printing in
Madagascar Madagascar then an Unexplored Country-Evangel.
istic Work in Heathen Districts-Mob-law and a Rescue-Religious
Liberty secured-Quality of Native Christianity.

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Events between 1867 and 1870-Great outward Advance of
Christianity-Began first Country Station at Ambohimanga-Our
new Home there-Native Servants-Preaching "Plans"-Bible
and Preachers' Classes-Day Schools-Country Classes-Travelling
-Crossing Flooded Rivers-My Wife's Work-Difficulties and
Opposition-Ignorance of Church Members-First Sunday at our
Station-Native Feasts at Chapel Openings-Building a Mission
House-Royal Visits to Ambohimanga-Hindrances arising there-
from-A Holiday near the Forest-Màntasoà and its Workshops-
Good Friday Services begun-Deputation from the L.M.S.-
Literary Work-Bible Revision Work-Journey to Antsihànaka
Province-Efforts to build a School-house-Hindrances by
Government Officials-A Cyclone in the Forest-Three Months'
Journey to S.E. Madagascar-Removal to College in Capital.

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Objects of the Journey-The Antsihànaka Province-Its In.
habitants-Early Evangelistic Efforts-My Companions-Anjo-
zoroté-Our Sunday there-Our "Black Chaplain "-Appearance
of the People-"The Great Dismal Swamp "-Chief Town of
Province-Native Officials-Loyal Speeches-Hospitality-The
Pastor's Story-Memorial Posts-Sihanaka Houses-Abundant
Bird-life-The Great Level-A Watery Road—Ampàrafàravòla—
Our Sunday Services-Teaching Singing-Another Pastor's Story-
"Charity Water-pots "-Native Bridges-Bull-fighting-Alaotra
Lake-Lovely Prospects and Interesting Audiences-Results of
Evangelist's Work-Superstitious People of Anoròrò-Return
Homewards-Subsequent Missionary Efforts in Antsihànaka-And
the Tsimihèty Province.

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