CONTENTS. THAT ANIMALS ARE CAPABLE OF SUFFERING, AND THAT WHILE THE CLAIMS OF THE INFERIOR CREATURES ENFORCED BY A CON- OF THE DEBASING INFLUENCE OF CRUELTY ON THE CLAIMS OF THE INFERIOR CREATURES ENFORCED ON THE SECTION I THAT ANIMALS ARE CAPABLE OF SUFFERING, AND THAT WHILE SUFFERING GENERALLY PERVADES THEIR ECONOMY, CRUELTY DOES NOT EXIST IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DIVINE SEPARATE AND APART FROM THE AGENCY GOVERNMENT OF MAN. AMONG the various efforts and objects of benevolence, which distinguish the present age, it is matter of regret that the sufferings of animals should have been so little heeded or even known. Is it that the absorbing interests of our own species have not allowed the regard of general attention to be drawn down to creatures so far inferior in the scale of existence, and therefore that the regard of sympathy has been feeble and transient, and of little real benefit? Perhaps, too, prejudice against any systematic attempt to ameliorate the condition of animals |