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James Plumptre

1770-1832

1816 | Rev. James Plumptre, Three Discourses on the Case of The Animal Creation, and The Duties of Man to Them (London, 1816); Online at Google Books.

Three Discourses on the Case of the Animal Creation

The following discourses comprehend the substance of a Discourse on "The Duties of Man to the Brute Creation, preached before the University of Cambridge, on Sunday, May 8th, 1796, in the afternoon." …The subject was then considered by many as trifling, and beneath the dignity of the pulpit, and especially that of the university. It was suggested to the preacher by the repeated perusal of Cowper's Task. Much has been done since, however, to interest the minds of the public at large on the subject.

The cause of the Brute Creation has been repeatedly before Parliament, and has been a theme for the eloquence of Lord Erskine. An annual sermon has been founded at Bath, in behalf of the Animal Creation, and another at Southampton: a society has been established at Liverpool, for the express purpose of preventing cruelty to Brute Creatures; and it is, also, one of the objects of the Society for the Suppression of Vice. Several valuable works have been published on the subject: amongst which must be mentioned Mr. Young's Essay on Humanity to Animals, published in 1798; several of the Sermons [by the Rev. Charles Daubeny, the Rev. Leigh Richmond, and the Rev. Richard Mant.] preached at the before-mentioned places; and, also, one preached by Dr. Barry, at Reading; and, though last, not least, Mr. Pratt's Poem of the Lower World. Should these Discourses, thus expanded and revised, tend to promote the same good cause, the author will account himself happy and honoured in his work. There is also, an excellent little tract… entitled, "Thought on the Duty of Mercy and Sin of Cruelty to Brute Creation,"…by Dr. Primatt, published in 1776…Mr. Parkinson's "Dangerous Sports;" and, in a very humble way, The Vocal Repository Tract, entitled, A Word for the Dumb.

First Discourse on The Animal Creation

Man, who was created originally as the Lord of the creation, to have dominion over it, which implies rule, for the general good, on his fall became the tyrant over his subject animals, and bears sway, not for the general good, but according to his own self-will, and for what he conceives to be his own self-interest, and looks upon them with indifference or contempt, except so far as they seem to administer his interest or pleasure. But shall man look with indifference or contempt upon things which have been made by the All-mighty and All-wise Creator of all? The same God who made man hath made also, "all sheep and oxen; yea, and the beasts of the field, and the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea, and whatsoever walketh through the paths of the sea." (Psalm viii. 7, 8).

"Pusu[ing his] way through the Sacred Books," Plumptre cites "laws from heaven" in which "[God] in his mercy, considered the animals as well as man" Quoting St. Paul, recalling the fifth commandment Plumptre states—

"Honour thy father and mother"—"the first commandment with promise." The promise is, "That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." It is remarkable, that the very same promise is annexed to the command of "letting the dam go,"—"that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days." Never, after this let it be thought, that the taking of a bird's nest is a matter of indifference. Never let a bird's nest be taken out of wantonness, merely to gratify curiosity, as you would live long and prosper. The birds are parents, and our HEAVENLY FATHER feels like a PARENT for THEM.

I have now gone through the principal passages in the Old Testament which relate to the brute creation, and the precepts given by God to Man respecting them. The passages on this subject in the New Testament, I shall consider in my next discourse. In the mean time, I request you to view this subject in a light in which, perhaps, you have not before been used to contemplate it as one of very great importance.

Second Discourse on The Animal Creation

And although in the Second Discourse, Plumptre argues the permission given by the bible to "take away life life for his sustenance," does conclude—

This important truth, however, should be suggested to our minds whenever we eat of that which once had life,—that it is not the food originally designed for us, and given to us by our heavenly Father, in a state of innocence,—that it is sin, which has brought death into the world to animals as well as to man,—that sacrifice was not appointed till after the fall, to prefigure the great sacrifice for sin; and the eating of flesh was not permitted till after "the world of the ungodly" had been destroyed by the flood,—that the milder dispensation of the gospel is represented and confirmed to us by an unbloody sacrifice, and "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world," gives place to THE BREAD OF LIFE.

Third Discourse on The Animal Creation

In two former discourses, I have considered the principle of those passages in the Old and New Testament, which relate to the case of the animal creation, the design of God in placing them under the dominion of man, and some of the precepts respecting them. I proceed now to consider, as I at first proposed, in a more particular and systematic way, the duties which man owes to the animals committed to his care.

Dominion implies government for the general good of the governors and the governed, together with all things intended by the Great Governor of All for their well-being and comfort; and these may be comprehended under the heads of protection,—discipline,—food, —rest,—and assistance in accidents and sickness.

And, here, in every country, the king, or chief magistrate, or those who rule and make the laws, are to take care, that the laws commanded by God make, likewise, a part of the laws of the land, and that they be regularly and punctually fulfilled.…Much might be done by magistrates within their respective spheres, and by individuals, by example, and by interference, where cases may require it.

I have no hesitation in saying, that I conceive the treatment of horses in this country to be a NATIONAL SIN. I say national sin, because it is of such extent, so well known and sanctioned by the ruling powers of the nation, contrary to the existing laws.

Under the head of cruelties may be comprehended all those unnecessary mutilations, made merely under a notion of rendering them more sightly in the ideas of he owner, by which pain is inflicted in the operation, and much inconvenience suffered for the remainder of the life of the animal. It is not sufficient, in these, or in any cases of cruelty, for any one to say, that he animal is his own, and he may do what he pleases with it. It is not his own. It is a trust committed to his care by the Great Creator of all, who claims them as His, when he says, "all the beasts of the forest are mine, and so are the cattle upon a thousand hills: I know all the fowls upon the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are in my sight:" (Psalm 1. 10, 11.) and the man will have to account to Him for the care which he has taken of it.

It may be affirmed, in general, that gentleness and patience are the great requisites in the discipline of animals, as well as of children and men. And, while we are gentle with them, we much teach them to be gentle too. The practice of mankind is too much the other way. Instead of endeavouring to make animals dwell in "harmony and family accord," (COWPER'S TASK, b. vi. 1. 379.) they are generally set against each other, and man delights to see them worry and tear, rather than "lie down together" in love and happiness.

To take life, even from the obnoxious, should give us concern, rather than be a cause of exultation and pleasure; and it should be the endeavour of every one to give the least degree of pain to the sufferer, whenever he is obliged to put to death, and to show no satisfaction, no triumph in the act.

A provision of proper and wholesome food is, therefore, is the right of the beast; and not only a bare sufficiency, but a liberal supply, in imitation of the Great Master, who "openeth his hand, and filleth all things living with plenteousness;" (Psalm cxlv. 16.) who giveth richly to enjoy, and hath commanded not to "muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn." (Deut. xxv. 4.).

We may consider them further, as affording us lessons of economical, moral, and spiritual instruction. From how many do we gain instruction in the arts of life. They perform by instinct, what we are to make out by reason and consideration.

1816-Jul | review of "Three Discources on the Ease of the Animal Creation, and the Duties of Man to Them, By the Rev. James Plumptre (London, 1816)," Critical Review 4 (1816-Jul): 99.

It is justly observed, that humanity to the inferior animals…has been recommended from high authority; it has been the subject of discussion in Parliament; annual sermons at Bath and at Southampton have been devoted to it, and a society has been established at Liverpool for the protection of these helpless creatures. Several valuable works have also been published in their defence, and among these are Mr. Young's Essay on Humanity to Animals, and Mr. Pratts poem of the Lower World.

1816-Jul | review of "Three Discourses on the Ease of the Animal Creation, and the Duties of Man to Them, By the Rev. James Plumptre (London, 1816)," Literary Panorama 4 (1816-Jul): 595-7.

We are far from thinking the subject treated on in these Discourses, either trivial, or unbecoming the attention of a Christian auditory:…many are guilty, in various ways, without compromising their character amongst the public by any overt act of cruelty.…We are of opinion, that those who unnecessarily cause their horse, &c. to labour on the Sabbath, have a crime to answer for, in addition to that of violating sacred time.

1816 | Rev. James Plumptre, The Experienced Butcher: Shewing the Respectability and Usefulness of His Calling, the Religious Considerations Arising from It, the Laws Relating to It and Various Profitable Suggestions for the Rightly Carrying it On: Designed Not Only For the Use of Butchers, But also for Families and Readers in General (London, 1816); Online at Google Books

The Experienced Butcher

If the book shall tend to do away unjust prejudices, to impart useful knowledge, to promote humanity in the world at large, and especially towards the brute creatures, and to awaken and promote piety in the hearts of his readers, his end is answered, and he shall think, that, in writing THE EXPERIENCED BUTCHER, he has been fulfilling the offices of a MAN and of a CHRISTIAN.

On Eating Animal Food

And although Plumptre argues "the lawfulness of eating animal food," he references the literary works of Oswald and Ritson, as well as the poets, Pope, Gay, Thompson, Armstrong and Goldsmith, citing several pages of passages as although "thoughtless," nonetheless "humane."

He also cites laws relating to butchers and illustrates with excerpts from newspaper articles the use of laws to prosecute cruelty to animals.