K PREFACE. 



has not profited by the instruction which he also has wit- 

 nessed, ought he to be surprised if his inferior should forget 

 the lesson received ? 



Is there not something remorselessly evil in thus con- 

 verting the bad conduct of mankind into a reason for deny- 

 ing the operation of an obvious goodness; in refusing to 

 acknowledge the responsive nature of the companion spe- 

 cially given to soften the doom of the human race; and 

 doing this only to warrant the insolence of severity, which 

 would seem to be a failing inherent in mortal breasts? But 

 the doctrines of love and of charity are, by many worthy 

 individuals, supposed to apply only to the conduct of man 

 to man. There, in general belief, begins and ends the 

 lesson. Even at this late period it is often read but never 

 understood that Universal Benevolence looked down and 

 blessed every form of life which the Spirit had created. 



To inculcate the Christian theory; to simply illustrate 

 its wisdom, and to demonstrate the folly of verbally ac- 

 knowledging its teaching, while the acts of its professed 

 believers do not testify to its truth, has been the endeavor 

 of the author. He imagines that possibly he may convince 

 some reader of the loss which the existing customs entail 

 upon society. He does not anticipate to actuate many 

 purchasers; but should a few carry into practice one or 

 two of his suggestions, and such innovations should upon 

 trial prove successful, other experiments will be hazarded, 

 until all meriting adoption are generally recognized. 



But numerous readers, after having read the foregoing, 

 may nevertheless be inclined to inquire, "What is the use 

 of this fuss about morality, when the issue only involves a 

 horse?'' To this interrogatory the writer unhesitatingly re- 



