I2O Natural Theology. 



the world. They are here ; but since no case 

 appears where they are inflicted for their own sake, 

 we infer that their existence is compatible with the 

 highest benevolence of a Creator, who through 

 those means may be able to secure the best results 

 upon the whole. If we take any class of animals, 

 there is no question but the amount of their physi- 

 cal enjoyment vastly surpasses the pain and suffer- 

 ing which they endure. The majority of animals 

 have a lifetime of physical enjoyment with but a 

 single pang, or the suffering of a few moments, 

 when death comes. But the question returns, why 

 should the pang of death come at all, and how is 

 increase of enjoyment secured by it ? We answer : 



First. Any constitution of animals that excluded 

 death would exclude the parental relation. And 

 the love and care of offspring are a source of 

 delight to all the higher tribes, and we have no 

 reason for supposing that there may not be enjoy- 

 ment connected with reproduction among the lower 

 tribes, even where there is no conscious parental 

 relation. 



Second. In consequence of death, we have new 

 generations coming each year into existence for 

 enjoyment, instead of the continuance of the same 

 individuals for ever. There is no question but the 

 sum of animal enjoyment is increased beyond com- 

 putation by the succession of animals upon the globe. 



Third. The number of animals that now exist is 

 vastly greater than could exist if all were vegetable 

 feeders. 



