PREFACE. 
Accurate information respecting the different parts of 
the world, is probably possessed in a greater degree, and 
diffused to a wider extent, at the present day, than 
it ha^ been " at any former period. The mariner has 
encountered the dangers of untraversed and Hitherto 
impenetrable seas ; and the traveller has explored remote 
and ’ inhbspitable countries, in order to increase general 
knowledge,' and add new facilities to the prosecution of 
enlightened philosophical research. - > ^ t • 
' Without depreciating the pursuits of science, or the 
advantages of a more enlarged acquaintance with the 
natural history of our globe, the Christian philanthropist 
directs his attention to objects still more iinportant, 
and Ms led to contemplate, with growing intensity 
of interest, the moral and spiritual condition of mahkind. 
The dominion and extent 'of delusive and sanguinary 
idolatries, with their moral debasement and attendant 
misery, have excited his liveliest concern 5 arid to the 
melioration of human wretchedness thus induced,"^ and 
the extension of true religion, as the only solid basis of 
virtue and happiness, his energies are directed, and 
his resources consecrated.—-Animated by the predictions 
of inspiration which refer to the moral renovation of 
the world, and cheered by ^Hhe signs of the times,” his 
