sufferings having their origin in the sin of man, &c. From the providence of God manifested towards them-Remarkable illustrations of this, in the covenant after the flood; in the sparing of Nineveh; in the institution of the Sabbath-Various positive precepts and statements of Scripture.

(B) Subjective or internal motives to humanity, drawn from considerations connected with the reflex effects of cruelty to animals upon those by whom it is perpetrated.

Brief statement of the metaphysics and ethics of the subject-Declarations of Scripture regarding the character of the humane and of the cruel.

Humanity to animals considered as a subject of education.

Historical sketch of British legislation on the subject. Review of the debates in Parliament-Observations on the arguments employed in defence of some cruel practices.

Of some special occasions of cruelty to animals-Markets-Slaughter-houses-Barbarous amusementsCruelties to animals assisting the labour of man, &c.

Of sufferings inflicted with a view to the promotion of science-Experiments on living animals justifiable in some rare and peculiar cases-Great extent to which cruelty to animals exists among medical men -Experiments connected with phrenological dis

cussions, &c.-Examination of the specious defences of vivisections—Their inutility either for scientific or practical purposes-Remarks on the experiments of Bouillaud, Brachet, Magendie, Wilson Philip, &c. -Conflicting results and opinions of experimental physiologists Fallacies attending such methods of research - Rejection of the results of experiments by M. Foville and other eminent Pathologists-Confusion and errors introduced into physiological science from the study of the animal economy in unnatural conditions-Duty, as well as policy, of physicians to discourage practices by which the progress of medical science is retarded, and the Profession disgraced.

Conclusion-Harmony of the duty of humanity to animals with the doctrines and spirit of Christianity.

APPENDIX.

Abstract of Acts of Parliament, &c., &c.-List of Scrip

ture Texts.

Inditus est, ab ipsa natura, homini misericordiæ affectus nobilis et excellens ; qui etiam ad animalia bruta extenditur, quæ ex ordinatione divina ejus imperio subjiciuntur. Quinetiam illud certissimum est, quod quo dignior est anima, eo pluribus compatiatur. Etenim animæ angustæ et degeneres hujusmudi res ad se nihil pertinere putant: at illa, quæ nobilior est portio universi, ex communione afficitur.

BACON, DE AUG. SCIENT., L. viii. C. ii.

ESSAY

ON

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

§ 1. THE term Cruelty, in the following Essay, is intended to include every description of unnecessary injury to the lower animals, whatever may be the motive or occasion of its infliction. For we are willing to believe, that a disposition to take delight in the infliction of pain for its own sake, is so far repugnant to the general sympathies even of our fallen nature, that the efforts of the friends of humanity are to be directed more against ignorance and thoughtlessness than against absolute cruelty.

the na

§ 2. In ancient times, there was among tions of the earth no recognition of common brotherhood, and no sympathy for man, as man; and no sense of those feelings and claims which the children of one great family have upon each other for

B

justice and mercy. Patriotism was the most liberal of their virtues; and, within a sphere so contracted, it would be in vain to look for humanity to the brute creation. It is not till Christianity had taught the true extent and right objects of benevolence, and rescued it from the overpowering force of stronger affections, that we read in history of the general diffusion of that spirit of charity and compassion to the poor and afflicted among our fellow-men, which is now considered as inseparable from true religion. The prejudices which once opposed the progress of this benevolence are continually disappearing; the barriers offered by difference of fortune, of country, of colour, have been gradually removed; and we now plead for its extension beyond the equally arbitrary limit of our own species.

§ 3. That cruelty to the lower animals is adverse to the Divine law, and in itself sinful, and that man, as a rational and responsible creature, lies under many obligations to the exercise of humanity towards them, are positions which it is not difficult to establish. But, apart from any consideration of the sufferings inflicted, there are other points of view in which the subject demands a larger share of public attention than it has hitherto received.