84 ADDRESS. 



some measure acquainted. For it is unworthy of the dignity of a 

 rational being, to stalk abroad on the surface of the earth, and en- 

 joy the bounty of his Creator, without considering the nature and 

 extent of his sublunary habitation, the variety of august objects it 

 contains, the relation in which he stands to other tribes of intelli- 

 gent agents, and the wonderful machinery which is in constant 

 operation for supplying his wants, and for producing the revolu- 

 tions of day and night, spring and autumn, summer and winter. 

 In a religious point of view, geography is a science of peculiar 

 interest. For * the salvation of God,' which Christianity unfolds, 

 is destined to be proclaimed in every land, in order that men of all 

 nations, and kindreds, and tongues may participate in its bless- 

 ings. But, without exploring every region of the earth, and the 

 numerous islands which are scattered over the surface of the 

 ocean, and opening up a regular intercourse with the different 

 tribes of human beings which dwell upon its surface, we can never 

 carry into effect the purpose of God, ' by making known his sal- 

 vation to the ends of the earth.' As God has ordained that ( all 

 flesh shall see the salvation' he has accomplished, and that human 

 beings shall be the agents for carrying his designs into effect ; so 

 we may rest assured, that he has ordained every mean requisite for 

 accomplishing this end ; and, consequently, that it is his will that 

 men should study the figure and magnitude of the earth, and all 

 those arts by which they may be enabled to traverse and explore 

 the different regions of land and water which compose the terra- 

 queous globe ; and that it is also his will, that every one who feels 

 an interest in the present and eternal happiness of his fellow men, 

 should make himself acquainted with the result of all the disco- 

 veries in this science that have been or may yet be made, in order 

 to stimulate his activity in conveying to the wretched sons of Adam, 

 wherever they may be found, ' the unsearchable riches of Christ, 

 " To the missionary, and the directors of Bible and Missionary 

 Societies, a minute and comprehensive knowledge of this science, 



