Page:GoldenRulesofSocialPhilosophy.pdf/390

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SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY.

are not entitled to more respect among civilized men, than the practices of many nations, even at this day, in killing and eating either their enemies or their way-laid neighbours; and so forcible is custom, that the laws of civilization against murder appear to be insufficient in deterring the practice of cannibalism among some black tribes in the British colonies.


XIX.

Because custom has so misled men, and so hardened their hearts against sympathy for the sufferings of creatures in their power and unprotected by law, that killing and maiming is denominated sport, and skill in such practices placed even on a level with the liberal arts and sciences, insomuch that man is the terror of all other animals, and the merciless tyrant of the whole animated creation.


XX.

Because all such practices as hunting, shooting, fowling, fishing, badger-baiting, cock-fighting, bull-baiting, rook and gull shooting, &c. &c. deprive men of that sympathy and