OF THE RIGHTS OF BEASTS. I35 



count ; its utility would confift in the recogni- 

 tion of the principle, it would {land forth as an 

 eminent precept and memento of humanity. 



There is much more force in the argument 

 drawn from the fuperior humanity of the pre- 

 fent, over any former period, and of its proba- 

 bly or rather certain increafe, with increafing 

 light. I coincide intirely in opinion with thofe, 

 who efteem the prefent fur5erior to all former 

 times, in the knowledge of truth, in the prac- 

 tice of every virtue, and in the enjoyment of 

 every good. I hold it admits of mathematical 

 demonftration. Even the lowed clafs of the 

 people of this country have become much more 

 mild and rational in their manners, and more 

 humane in their treatment of brute animals 

 (however defeclive ftill) than in former times. 

 The favage fports have long been on the de- 

 cline. I am forry, however, that truth and fact 

 oblige me to make an exception, which, flrange 

 to tell, relates to the higher orders of fociety. 

 But, for the records of Parliament itfelf, pofte- 

 rity would fcarcely credit, that men of the firft 

 diflin&ion for rank, learning, and talents, have, 

 in the nineteenth century, flood forth as the 

 avowed defenders and advocates of infliction 

 of the rnofl excruciating tortures upon brute 

 animals, n the wretched pretence of affording 

 fport and diverfion to the people ! The honour- 

 able endeavours of humane and virtuous men, 

 to rid our laws and our country of a foul dif- 

 grace, have thus far been unhappily fruf- 

 trated ; but the perfeverance of thefe fons of 

 humanity, until they (hall have obtained their 



k 4 righteous 



