MORAL RESULTS. 185 



upon it, for this can only be rightly done when 

 time has abated prejudice, and shown more cleariy 

 tlie relation of this philosophy to all other views 

 cherished by civilized nations. But I may mean- 

 while remark its harmony with the great practical 

 principle of Christianity, in esmblishing the 

 universal brotherhood and social communion of 

 man. And not only this, but it extends the prin- 

 ciple of humanity to the meaner creatures also. 

 Life is everwhere one. The inferior animals 

 are only less advanced types of that form of being 

 perfected in ourselves. Constituted as its head — 

 with a peculiar psychical character and destiny by 

 virtue of that position — we are yet essentially 

 connected vrith the hmnbler vehicles of vitality 

 and intelligence, and placed in moral relations to- 

 wards them. We are bound to respect the rights of 

 animals as of our human associates. We are bound 

 to respect even their feelings. And from obeying 

 these moral laws, we shall reap as certain a har- 

 vest of benefit to om-selves, as by obeying any 

 code of law that ever was penned. The rule of 

 force and of cruelty has hitherto prevailed in this 

 department of the world's economy as between 

 man and man ; but the day of true knowledge will 

 bring a better rule here also, and the many 

 good quahties of these patient and unresisting mi- 



