Library of Animal Rights History » Animal Welfare-Animal Rights Articles-Letters-Reviews Against Cruelty to Animals

J. S.
Shrovetide Sports Condemn'd: Cruelties to Brute Creatures Detested

Gentleman's Magazine

1750 Jan

1750-Jan | J.S., letter to the editor, "Shrovetide Sports Condemn'd: Cruelties to Brute Creatures Detested," Gentleman's Magazine (London:1736-1750) 20 (1750 Jan): 18-19; Online at Animal Rights History, 2004.

Cruelties to brute Creatures detested.

Mr. URBAN,

We often hear of that regard which we owe to God, and to man, and but seldom of that we owe to brute creatures. We are seldom taught, either from the pulpit, or the press, to treat them with that humanity we ought; indeed so seldom and so slightly, that one would think the insisting on such a duty was prophaning the holiness of the former, and debasing the dignity of the latter. But, whatever we may think, there is no true virtue, and therefore no true religion, without compassion; nor any true compassion, if it does not lead us to use with tenderness, even a beast, or a bird; for the righteous man is merciful to his beast

And why should preachers be ashamed to inculcate this duty, when the scripture is so full of precepts to this purpose, and the great God has everywhere, in his law, expressed so tender a regard for them? Because there was much cattle in Nineveh, is set down as one reason why God was not willing to destroy that city ; and we all know they are expressly ordered, in the 4th commandment, to share with us on the Sabbath day in resting from their labours. Thy cattle and thy stranger, and all, &c.

Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn; Thou shalt not seeth a kid in his mother's milk, are two other precepts in the law of Moses, and both of them full of a generous compassion to these poor creatures. Indeed, it would be cruel to the poor labouring ox, to have his food always at his nose, and not be able to touch it; and 'tis shocking to nature to boil a kid in the milk of his dam. These, Mr Urban, are excellent precepts, and finely express the gentleness and compassion of the divine nature.

But that command, which requires us, when we happen of a nest of young birds, to spare the life of the old one, is, perhaps, the most humane one that ever was made, and seems especially calculated to instill into the minds of young persons that tender sense of compassion we speak of.

Theognis, one of the minor poets, has given us the same precept; and I mention it the rather, because, perhaps, there are some who would sooner regard a heathen, than they would a Jewish or Christian injunction. Such then are the laws of God, with respect to the point in hand; such the divine compassion to these creatures. And can any thing be thought more reasonable than such compassion, either in God or man, if we remember that a few cheerful happy days is all the heaven these poor creatures can enjoy, while we have an endless age before us. This consideration, if well weighed, would melt us into pity, and lead us to use them with the greatest tenderness. O Mr Urban ! the thought of immortality, the hope of endless happiness, in enough to lift the soul with the noblest ambition, and yet [19] make it look down, with the humblest compassion, upon that part of the creation, that wants so divine a hope.

What then shall I say to that wretched tribe of men, our cock-throwers? What censure shall I pass upon the diversions of Shrovetide, a season formerly set apart for confession*, but now for the commission of sins? Such cruelties deserve a severer censure than any I am able to give them. I can only wish, and 'tis the wish of many a one besides myself, that they were utterly suppressed for ever. This is my hearty wish: and as so publick an act of humanity would be very acceptable to God, so I am sure 'tis very proper at this time, when so many methods have been used, and all in vain, to stop that sad distemper that rages among our cattle. But how can we stop this distemper? How remove this plague, without first removing the divine displeasure? For how can we reasonably hope that God will be merciful to one part of the brute creation, when we are so unmerciful to another? How can we think he will have compassion, when we ourselves are so void of pity? Let us then join to the use of medicine, and the rules of caution, this act of publick virtue. Let us send up our prayers to almighty God, and send up our tender compassions along with them, that God may be witness both of our piety to him, and our pity to these poor creatures.

And now, Mr Urban, what I desire of you is to insert this in your very next magazine; the reason is obvious, and as the subject of it concerns the publick, so I am certain, tho' poorly managed, it must be more acceptable to a man of your publick spirit, than an idle song, or useless speculation. I wish it may answer the end designed, and with this wish subscribe myself. Yours, &c. J.S. Essex, Jan. 20, 1750.

* In popish times it was usual for the people to confess at this season, and hence the name Shrovetide, or Shrift-tide, from the old word Shrift which signifies confession.

The [front] page, [contents], [page] and [article] headings all gave title (often differently) to the selections in this magazine. I have included each noting the source within brackets following the title. Shrovetide Sports Condemen'd [front]. Compassion to brutes require'd in Scrip.—Shrovetide sports cruel and absurd [contents]. Cruelties to Brute Creatures Destested [page].