268 
REVIEW— HUMANITY TO BRUTES. 
We are led, in some degree, into this train of thought, from 
having seen a neat little book entituled “ The Obligation and 
Extent of Humanity to Brutes, principally considered with refer - 
ence to Domesticated Animals, by W. Youatt, V.S.,” &c. &c. 
Picturing to ourselves a mental treat, and feeling our heart glow 
within us with pride that one, at least, of the profession had entered 
the lists in such a noble cause, we snuffed our candle, and drawing 
our chair nearer the fire — for our outward man by no means par- 
took of the glow within — we found our attention drawn (after 
having read the Dedication, Preface, and Introduction) to the ob- 
ligation of humanity to animals, as founded on the Scriptures. 
These obligations are well expressed, and the quotations from the 
Scriptures well selected. We are tempted to give one quotation 
from this part of the author’s subject, not only because this part 
constitutes the grand foundation on which he builds his argument, 
but because it will in some measure explain the style and the prac- 
tical observations which are every where eloquently enforced. Our 
author had just been speaking of the watch that God exercises over 
all his creatures; and, he goes on to say, — “ That the care of Divine 
Providence extends to the smallest and meanest being alive — that 
each of them is watched over and provided for as if there were 
no other in the universe — what exalted ideas must this give us of 
the superintending care of our common Father! and what a useful, 
awful lesson does it read us with regard to our treatment of those 
who are made, in some measure, dependent upon us ! ! Shall his 
mercies extend to them all, and we glory in the wanton exertion 
of our tyranny 1 Shall he watch over their safety, and we exult 
in the numbers that, without the slightest pretext of necessity, we 
torture and destroy 1 
“ Some of the noblest of them are reclaimed from their state of 
nature, and subjugated to us in order to help our weaknesses and 
supply our wants. Instead of offering the corresponding return 
— instead of aiming to make their state of subjugation one of 
comfort — shall we abuse our power and dominion because they 
are defenceless and dumb 1 What plea for mercy shall we offer 
when our delegated authority is at an end ; and we stand at His 
tribunal whose works we have abused, and whose tender mercies 
have made no impression on our callous hearts 1” — Pp. 10, 11. 
Cold, indeed, must be the heart of that man who is not affected 
by such considerations as these. Let veterinary surgeons beware 
that they are not found sanctioning any proceedings but those which 
are for the benefit of the animals whose medical attendants they are. 
The next division of our author’s subject enforces the duty of 
humanity to animals. The delegated right of man over animals is 
properly stated and limited. The whole of this division is so ad- 
