fineſt eye or the elegantly turned finiſh of the faireſt features: whilſt in every motion that diſplays the active limbs and well-knit joints, grace and modeſty ſhould appear. But this fair aſſemblage is not to be brought together by chance; it is the reward of exertions met to ſupport each other; for judgment can only be acquired by reflection, affection by the diſcharge of duties, and humanity by the exerciſe of compaſſion to every living creature.
Humanity to animals ſhould be particularly inculcated as a part of national education, for it is not at preſent one of our national virtues. Tenderneſs for their humble dumb domeſtics, amongſt the lower claſs, is oftener to be found in a ſavage than a civilized ſtate. For civilization prevents that intercourſe which creates affection in the rude hut, or mud cabin, and leads uncultivated minds who are only depraved by the refinements which prevail in the ſociety, where they are trodden under foot by the rich, to domineer over them to revenge the inſults that they are obliged to bear from their ſuperiours.
This habitual cruelty is firſt caught at ſchool, where it is one of the rare ſports of the boys to torment the miſerable brutes that fall in their way. The tranſition, as they grow up, from barbarity to brutes to domeſtic tyranny over wives, children, and ſervants, is very eaſy. Juſtice, or even benevolence, will not be a powerful ſpring of action unleſs it be extended to the whole creation; nay, I believe that it may be delivered as an axiom, that thoſe who can ſee pain, unmoved, will ſoon learn to inflict it.
