where man forms the principal actor: and where all, in their several vocations, may not unfrequently, though sometimes, perhaps, unwittingly, reciprocally aid each other, whilst the whole is overruled to the benefit of the human species. In nothing is this more evident, than in all endeavours to extend our knowledge of the earth's surface. Science, and more especially geographical science, or Physical Geography, here leads the van; the scientific traveller is the first to penetrate into unknown and barbarous regions, often pursuing his course amid privations and dangers, which zeal and perseverance alone can enable him to encounter or overcome. His researches open the field for the devoted messenger of religion, by whose means friendly intercourse is established with the natives, and light and civilization introduced. A mart is thus opened for the wares of the merchant; for, as soon as a barbarous people become civilized, they require clothing, utensils, and other manufactured articles; and thus, not only is our commerce extended, but employment also afforded for our manufacturing population at home. The intelligent missionary, again, residing in unknown lands, possesses frequent and favourable opportunities of adding to our stores of scientific knowledge, whilst the merchant spreads this information, and the benefits accruing from it, over the surface of the globe.

Nor are these the only advantages resulting from this friendly intercourse. Whilst we are the instruments in diffusing the blessings of peace, and the glorious light of Christianity, among the benighted inhabitants of remote and barbarous climes, the blessings are returned upon ourselves, on our own brave countrymen. "Wherever the missionary succeeds in obtaining even the slightest influence," says Captain Fitz-Roy, "there may the seaman go in safety." The present and past state of New Zealand affords a striking illustration of this remark. "How fast," observes the same officer, "the character of this land is changing! An Englishman may now walk alone and unmolested about any part of the Northern Island, where, ten

years ago, such an attempt would have been a rash braving of the club and the oven*." Civilization has been introduced into this island; houses, workshops, and a mill erected: "and," continues Captain Fitz-Roy, "when I saw a New Zealander come out of the mill, powdered with flour, and carrying a sack upon his head, I could scarcely believe my own eyes. This effect has been caused by the missionaries."

That such happy results may be of permanent duration has been recently shown in so decided a manner in the Moluccas, that we cannot refrain from inserting the account. Some of these islands are still in heathen darkness, but others have long since embraced Christianity; and on one of the latter islands, which had not been visited by any European for fifty years, a great number of the inhabitants were recently found still to retain their religion, having small churches, in which native preachers officiated. The inhabitants of Vordati are, however, still unenlightened; and in 1827, a vessel which touched at that island in quest of provisions, was seized by the natives, and all the crew, with the exception of two youths, who were saved by the women, were inhumanly massacred. The inhabitants of the island of Kissa, on the contrary, are Christianized; and not long since, two English seamen, who had been cast away on the shores of New Guinea, and had been sold and re-sold among the heathen tribes, were purchased by the Christian Chief of Kissa, who not only gave them their liberty, but brought them to Banda, where they were received on board a trading vessel, and enabled to return to their native country.

Such considerations, combined with others already adduced in a former page, cannot but lead us to regard Physical Geography as a science eminently calculated to impart benefit to man, both as an individual, and as a social being. The path of "Creation's golden footsteps," into which this science conducts us, also guides directly to the divine

*Captain Fitz-Roy visited New Zealand in 1835.

Author of Nature. There are "laid before us," says Bacon, "two books or volumes to study; first, the Scriptures, revealing the will of God; and then, the creatures, expressing His power, whereof the latter is a key to the former; not only opening our understanding, but opening our belief; in drawing us into a due meditation of the omnipotency of God, which is signed and engraven on His works."

It is not, however, "Omnipotency” alone that is " signed and engraven" on the works of nature: Providential care and Infinite goodness are also inscribed in glowing characters; in many instances, in characters so plain that “he who runs may read;" but in others, displayed only by the aid of scientific investigation. The latter circumstance palpably shows the great advantage of our present science: for,

Goodness, inasmuch as we perceive the good,
Kindles our love; and in degree the more,
As it comprises more of goodness in it.

And finally, the contemplation of so much that is lovely, so much that is excellent, has, when considered with reference to Him from whom it all proceeds, a direct tendency to improve and elevate the character; whilst the habitual acknowledgment of the hand of the Most High, in these His visible works, cannot fail to confirm and strengthen our trust and reliance in Wisdom, Power, and Goodness so infinite.