THE CRITICAL REVIEW. JANUARY, 1800. A Miffionary Voyage to the Southern Pacific Ocean, performed in the Years 1796, 1797, 1798, in the Ship Duff, commanded by Captain James Wilfon. Compiled from Journals of the Officers and the Miffionaries; and illuftrated with Maps, Charts, and Views, drawn by Mr. William Wilfon. and engraved by the most eminent Artists. With a Preliminary Difcourfe on the Geography and Hiflory of the South Sea Islands; and an Appendix, including Details never before published, of the Natural and Civil State of Otaheite; by a Committee appointed for the Purpofe by the Directors of the Miffionary Society. Publifhed for the Denefit of the Society. 4to. 21. 25. Boards. Chapman. 1799. AMIDST all the fancies and errors which difgrace the Lettres Edifiantes et Curieufes, we muft ftill admit that they contain much valuable information, and fuch as would be fought without effect in any other work; and among numerous marks of weak enthusiasm and mifplaced zeal, the account of the northern continent of America, by Charlevoix, is, on the whole, the most complete that we poffels; nor, on this subject, can we forget the narratives of the honeft, the benevolent, and intelligent Krantz. Various other inftances may be adduced of a fimilar kind; tantum religio potuit. The prefent voyage will add to thefe; and, if we view it independently of its first object, and of numerous geographical improvements, we fhall fee with aftonishment a voyage to the Pacific Ocean performed without the lofs of a man; we thall perceive, with furprife and applaufe, a fhip paffing through various climates, amidit numerous difficulties, without the utterance of the name of God, except in adoration, praife, and thanksgiving. Differently as we think on religious fubjects from the voy agers, whofe attempts we fhall foon examine; differently as we eftimate their objects and views, we cannot with-hold from them the tribute of our fincere commendation in their progress. Harmoniously united among themfelves, with few exceptions, CRIT. REV. Vol. XXVIII. Jan. 1800. B |