17711 Essays 149 
form, size, and strength, of sailing on all seas. Our 
seamen are equally bold, skilful, and hardy; dexter- 
ous in exploring the remotest regions, and ready to 
engage in voyages to unknown countries, though at- 
tended with the greatest dangers. The inhabitants 
of those countries, our fellow-men, have canoes only; 
not knowing iron, they cannot build ships; they have 
little astronomy, and no knowledge of the compass 
to guide them; they cannot therefore come to us, or 
obtain any of our advantages. From these circum- 
stances, does not some duty seem to arise from us to 
them? Does not Providence, by these distinguishing 
favors, seem to call on us to do something ourselves 
for the common interests of humanity? 
“Those who think it their duty to ask bread and 
other blessings daily from Heaven, would they not 
think it equally a duty to communicate of those 
blessings when they have received them, and show 
their gratitude to their Benefactor by the only 
means in their power, promoting the happiness of his 
other children? 
“Ceres is said to have made a journey through 
many countries to teach the use of corn and the art 
of raising it. For this single benefit the grateful na- 
tions deified her. How much more may Englishmen 
deserve such honor, by communicating the knowledge 
and use, not of corn only, but of all the other enjoy- 
ments the earth can produce, and which they are 
now in possession of. Communiter bona profundere, 
Dedim est. 
“Many voyages have been undertaken with views 
i}