396 



" It is only we who have higher aims that can 

 turn such evils to advantage ; and were it not so, 

 we also should most assuredly have been spared all 

 similar sufferings. 



"If we experience the severest of evils from which 

 the brutes are exempt, must it not be for purposes 

 which do not concern them ? Else we should be 

 ' of all creatures the most miserable.' Thus Nature 

 confirms truths which she is not of herself compe- 

 tent to teach. Even we ourselves are made subser- 

 vient to the good of the animals below us. Whole 

 tribes of them, in their own nature gentle and de- 

 fenceless, are brought up in ease and security to 

 serve us for food or for clothing, and never know 

 want, or age, or infirmity. It is our duty that they 

 should never know pain, and I wish we fulfilled it. 

 Much is required from the legislature, even in this 

 country, to guard and favour these helpless beings, 

 to whom we are so much indebted. It is no part of 

 the plan of Providence that they should be uselessly 

 tortured. He who endowed the horse and the dog 

 with obedience and affection, such as may often put 

 their masters to shame, designed they should be 

 happy, not miserable, in our service. ' A merciful 

 man regardeth the life of his beast,' and not only 

 its life, but its ease and comfort. I wish the thought- 

 less to consider this, and that the cruel might be 

 made to feel it." 



Speaking, in another place, of the characteristic 

 properties of animals, vegetables, and minerals, Sir 

 James observes, " If it be asked what is this vital 

 principle so essential to animals and vegetables, and 



