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London Magazine

1747-Dec | "Cruelty to Animals Censured," appendix, London Magazine; or, Gentleman's Monthly Inteligencer (London:1747-1783) 16 (1747): 605-606.

I know not upon what Principle of Reason and Justice it is, that mankind have founded their Right over the Lives of every Creature that is placed in a subordinate Rank of Being to themselves. Whatever Claim they may have in Right of Food and Self-Defence, did they not extend their Privilege farther than those two Articles would reasonably carry them, numberless Beings might enjoy their Lives in Peace, who are now hurried out of them by the most wanton and unnecessary Cruelties.

Why it should be thought less inhuman to crush to Death an harmless Insect, whose single Offence is, that he eats that Food which Nature had prepared for him, than it would be to kill any more bulky Creature for the same Reason.

1748-Jul | "Cruelty to Brute Animals Condemned," London Magazine; Or, Gentleman's Monthly Inteligencer (London:1747-1783) 17 (1748 Jul): 291-292.

I am here an advocate…of poor creatures not able to speak for themselves : And as they are a sensible part of the animal creation of a merciful and righteous God, we have, I think, much reason to fear, that their cries and groans will be heard by their kind Creator ; and that they will, without the power of Speech, curse us in effect, and bring down the judgment of heaven upon us.

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