VOYAGE TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 75 



large their stock of ideas, and to furnish new mate- 

 rials for the exercise of their reason. Comparing 

 themselves with their visitors, they cannot but be 

 struck with the deepest conviction of their own in- 

 feriority, and be impelled, by the strongest motives, 

 to strive to emerge from it, and to rise nearer to a 

 level with those children of the -sun who deigned to 

 look upon them, and left behind so many specimens 

 of their generous and humane attention. The very 

 introduction of our useful animals and vegetables, 

 by adding fresh means of subsistence, will have added 

 to their comforts of life and immediate enjoyments ; 

 and if this be the only benefit they are ever to re- 

 ceive, who will pronounce that much has not been 

 gained ? Bnt may we not carry our wishes and our 

 hopes still farther ? Great Britain itself, when first 

 visited by the Phoenicians, was inhabited by painted 

 savages, not perhaps blessed with higher attain- 

 ments than are possessed by the present natives of 

 New Zealand ; certainly less civilized than those of 

 Tongataboo or Otaheite. Our having opened an 

 intercourse with them is the first step toward their 

 improvement. Who knows, but that our late voyages 

 may be the means appointed by Providence, of 

 spreading, in due time, the blessings of civilization, 

 amongst the numerous tribes of the South Pacific 

 Ocean ; of abolishing their horrid repasts and their 

 horrid rites ; and of laying the foundation for future 

 and more effectual plans, to prepare them for holding 

 an honourable station amongst the nations of the 

 earth ? This, at least is certain that our having, as 

 it were, brought them into existence by our exten- 

 sive researches, will suggest to us fresh motives of 

 devout gratitude to the Supreme Being, for having 

 blessed us with advantages hitherto withheld from so 

 great a proportion of the human race; and will operate 

 powerfully to incite us to persevere in every feasible 

 attempt, to be his instruments in rescuing millions of 

 fellow-creatures from their present state of humi- 

 liation. 



