Chapter 3

Ah, well! I need not question; gladly rather, I'll trust in all-- Assured that not without our Heavenly "Father" The sparrows fall.

And if He foldeth in a sleep eternal Their wings to rest; Or waketh them to fly the skies supernal-- He knoweth best?

MARY SHEPPARD.

* * * * *

EGYPTIAN RITUAL.

God is the causer of pleasure and light, _maker of grass for the cattle_, and of fruitful trees for man, _causing the fish to live in the river and the birds to fill the air_, lying awake when all men sleep, to seek out the good of His creatures.

_Quoted by_ REV. J. E. CARPENTER.

* * * * *

BROTHERHOOD.

There is a higher consanguinity than that of the blood which runs through our veins,--that of the blood which makes our hearts beat with the same indignation and the same joy. And there is a higher nationality than that of being governed by the same imperial dynasty,--that of our common allegiance to the Father and Ruler of all mankind.

MAX MÜLLER.

* * * * *

A BIRTHDAY ADDRESS.

TO ANTHONY ASHLEY COOPER, SEVENTH EARL OF SHAFTESBURY, K. G., APRIL 13, 1880.

For eighty years! Many will count them over, But none but He who knoweth all may guess What those long years have held of high endeavor, Of world-wide blessing and of blessedness.

For eighty years the champion of the right Of hapless child neglected and forlorn; Of maniac dungeoned in his double night; Of woman overtasked and labor-worn;

Of homeless boy, in streets with peril rife; Of workman, sickened in his airless den; Of Indian parching for the streams of life; Of negro slave in bond of cruel men.

O Friend of all the friendless 'neath the sun, Whose hand hath wiped away a thousand tears, Whose fervent lips and clear strong brain have done God's holy service, lo! these eighty years,--

How meet it seems thy grand and vigorous age Should find beyond man's race fresh pangs to spare, And for the wronged and tortured brutes engage In yet fresh labors and ungrudging care!

Oh, tarry long amongst us! Live, we pray, Hasten not yet to hear thy Lord's "Well done!" Let this world still seem better while it may Contain one soul like thine amid its throng.

Whilst thou art here our inmost hearts confess, Truth spake the kingly seer of old who said,-- "Found in the way of God and righteousness, A crown of glory is the hoary head."

MISS F. P. COBBE.

* * * * *

SUFFERING.

Pain, terror, mortal agonies which scare Thy heart in man, to brutes thou wilt not spare. Are these less sad and real? Pain in man Bears the high mission of the flail and fear; In brutes 'tis purely piteous.

HENRY TAYLOR.

* * * * *

TO LYDIA MARIA CHILD.

Who knows thy love most royal power, With largess free and brave, Which crowns the helper of the poor, The suffering and the slave.

Yet springs as freely and as warm, To greet the near and small, The prosy neighbor at the farm, The squirrel on the wall.

ELIZA SCUDDER.

* * * * *

VIVISECTION.

It is the simple idea of dealing with a living, conscious, sensitive, and intelligent creature as if it were dead and senseless matter, against which the whole spirit of true humanity revolts. It is the notion of such absolute despotism as shall justify, not merely taking life, but converting the entire existence of the animal into a misfortune which we denounce as a misconception of the relations between the higher and lower creatures. A hundred years ago had physiologists frankly avowed that they recognized no claims on the part of the brutes which should stop them from torturing them, they would have been only on a level with their contemporaries. But to-day they are behind the age.

As I have said ere now, the battle of Mercy, like that of Freedom,

"Once begun, Though often lost, is always won."

MISS F. P. COBBE.

* * * * *

NOBILITY.

From yon blue heavens above us bent The grand old gardener and his wife Smile at the claims of long descent. Howe'er it be, it seems to me 'Tis only noble to be good; Kind hearts are more than coronets, And simple faith than Norman blood.

A. TENNYSON.

* * * * *

ACTS OF MERCY.

Yes, any act of mercy, even to the humblest and lowliest of God's creatures, is an act that brings us near to God. Although "the mercy of God," as the Psalmist says, "reaches to the heavens, although his judgments are like the great deep," yet still, as the Psalmist adds, it is the same mercy, the same justice as that which we know in ourselves. "Thou preservest both man and beast; how exalted is thy mercy, O Lord; therefore the children of men take refuge under the shadow of thy wings." That mercy which we see in the complex arrangements of the animal creation, extending down to the minutest portions of their frames--that same Divine mercy it is which we are bid to imitate. He whose soul burns with indignation against the brutal ruffian who misuses the poor, helpless, suffering horse, or dog, or ass, or bird, or worm, shares for the moment that Divine companion wrath which burns against the oppressors of the weak and defenceless everywhere. He who puts forth his hand to save from ill treatment, or add to the happiness of any of those dumb creatures, has opened his heart to that Divine compassion which our Heavenly Father has shown to the whole range of created things--which our blessed Saviour has shown to the human race, his own peculiar charge, by living and dying for us. "Be ye merciful" to dumb animals, for ye have a common nature with them. Be ye merciful, for the worst part of the nature of brutes is to be unmerciful. Be ye merciful, for ye are raised far above them, to be their appointed lords and guardians. Be ye merciful, for ye are made in the image of him who is All-Merciful and All-Compassionate.

DEAN STANLEY.

* * * * *

THE GOOD SAMARITAN.

He beheld the poor man's need; Bound his wounds, and with all speed Set him on his own good steed, And brought him to the inn.

When our Judge shall reappear, Thinkest thou this man will hear, Wherefore didst thou interfere With what concerned not thee?

No! the words of Christ will run "Whatsoever thou hast done To the poor and suffering one That hast thou done to me."

ANON.

* * * * *

LOVE.

Thus, when Christianity announced its fundamental idea of love, it, by an immovable logic, enveloped all things in that affection, and every dumb brute of the street comes within the colored curtains of the sanctuary. The Humane Society is a branch of God's Church, and we Christian church-members are all members of all such associations, so far as we are intelligent members of the Church of Christ. Love does not mean love of me or you, but it means love always and for all.

PROF. SWING.

* * * * *

CHILDREN AT SCHOOL.

If children at school can be made to understand how it is just and noble to be humane even to what we term inferior animals, it will do much to give them a higher character and tone through life. There is nothing meaner than barbarous and cruel treatment of the dumb creatures, who cannot answer us or resent the misery which is so often needlessly inflicted upon them.

JOHN BRIGHT.

* * * * *

MEMBERSHIP OF THE CHURCH.

Love and charity being the basis of Christianity, it is as much a question for the Church to ask, when a person wishes to be admitted into her bosom, "Are you kind to animals?" as it is to ask, "Do you believe in such or such a doctrine?" Certainly the question would be pertinent to Christian life and consonant with the fundamental and distinguishing principle of the Christian religion; and the mere asking of it at so solemn a juncture could not but do much to assimilate and draw closer the heart and life of the novitiate to Him who sees every sparrow that falls.

E. HATHAWAY.

* * * * *

FEELING FOR ANIMALS.

The power of feeling for animals, realizing their wants and making their pains our own, is one which is most irregularly shown by human beings. A Timon may have it, and a Howard be devoid of it. A rough shepherd's heart may overflow with it, and that of an exquisite fine gentleman and distinguished man of science may be as utterly without it as the nether millstone. One thing I think must be clear: till man has learnt to feel for all his sentient fellow-creatures, whether in human or in brutal form, of his own class and sex and country, or of another, he has not yet ascended the first step towards true civilization nor applied the first lesson from the love of God.

MISS F. P. COBBE.

* * * * *

HEROIC.

Nay, on the strength of that same element of self-sacrifice, I will not grudge the epithet "heroic" which my revered friend Darwin justly applies to the poor little monkey who once in his life did that which was above his duty; who lived in continual terror of the great baboon, and yet, when the brute had sprung upon his friend the keeper, and was tearing out his throat, conquered his fear by love, and, at the risk of instant death, sprung in turn upon his dreaded enemy, and hit and shrieked until help arrived.

CHARLES KINGSLEY.

* * * * *

EFFECT OF CRUELTY.

The effect of the barbarous treatment of inferior creatures on the minds of those who practise it is still more deplorable than its effects upon the animals themselves. The man who kicks dumb brutes kicks brutality into his own heart. He who can see the wistful imploring eyes of half-starved creatures without making earnest efforts to relieve them, is on the road to lose his manhood, if he has not already lost it. And the boy who delights in torturing frogs or insects, or robbing birds'-nests, or dogging cattle and hogs wantonly and cruelly, can awaken no hope of an honorable after life.

E. HATHAWAY.

* * * * *

ASPIRATION.

Oh may I join the choir invisible Of those immortal dead who live again In minds made better by their presence: live In pulses stirred to generosity: In deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn For miserable aims that end with self; In thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars, And with their mild persistence urge men's search To vaster issues.

GEORGE ELIOT.

* * * * *

THE POOR BEETLE.

The sense of death is most in apprehension; And the poor beetle that we tread upon, In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great As when a giant dies.

_Measure for Measure_, Act 3, Sc. 1.

* * * * *

THE CONSUMMATION.

It is little indeed that each of us can accomplish within the limits of our little day. Small indeed is the contribution which the best of us can make to the advancement of the world in knowledge and goodness. But slight though it be, if the work we do is real and noble work, it is never lost; it is taken up into and becomes an integral moment of that immortal life to which all the good and great of the past, every wise thinker, every true and tender heart, every fair and saintly spirit, have contributed, and which, never hasting, never resting, onward through ages is advancing to its consummation.

REV. DR. CAIRD.

* * * * *

PERSEVERE.

Salt of the earth, ye virtuous few Who season human kind! Light of the world, whose cheering ray Illumes the realms of mind!

Where misery spreads her deepest shade, Your strong compassion glows; From your blest lips the balm distils That softens mortal woes.

Proceed: your race of glory run, Your virtuous toils endure; You come, commissioned from on high, And your reward is sure.

MRS. BARBAULD.

* * * * *

A VISION.

When 'twixt the drawn forces of Night and of Morning, Strange visions steal down to the slumbers of men, From heaven's bright stronghold once issued a warning, Which baffled all scorning, when brought to my ken.

Methought there descended the Saints and the Sages, With grief-stricken aspect and wringing of hands, Till Dreamland seemed filled with the anguish of ages, The blots of Time's pages, the woes of all lands.

And I, who had deemed that their bliss knew no morrow (Half vexed with their advent, half awed with their might)-- Cried, "Come ye from heaven, Earth's aspect to borrow, To mar with weird sorrow the peace of the night?"

They answered me sternly, "Thy knowledge is mortal; Thou hear'st not as we must, the plaints without tongue: The wrongs that come beating the crystalline portal, Inflicted by mortals on those who are dumb.

"Ye bleed for the nation, ye give to the altar, Ye heal the great sorrows that clamor and cry, Yet care not how oft 'neath the spur and the halter, The brutes of the universe falter and die.

"Yet Jesus forgets not that while ye ensnared Him, And drove Him with curses of burden and goad, These gentle ones watched where the Magi declared Him, And often have spared Him the long desert road.

"They crumble to dust; but we, watchers remaining, Attest their endurance through centuries past, Oh, fear! lest in future to Judgment attaining, These woes, uncomplaining, confront you at last!"

JULIA C. VERPLANCK.

* * * * *

SPEAK GENTLY.

Speak gently! it is better far To rule by love than fear: Speak gently! let not harsh words mar The good we might do here.

Speak gently! 'tis a little thing, Dropped in the heart's deep well, The good, the joy, which it may bring, Eternity shall tell.

* * * * *

O, it is excellent To have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous To use it like a giant.

_Measure for Measure_, Act 2, Sc. 2.

* * * * *

QUESTIONS.

Is there not something in the pleading eye Of the poor brute that suffers, which arraigns The law that bids it suffer? Has it not A claim for some remembrance in the book, That fills its pages with the idle words Spoken of man? Or is it only clay, Bleeding and aching in the potter's hand, Yet all his own to treat it as he will, And when he will to cast it at his feet, Shattered, dishonored, lost for evermore? My dog loves me, but could he look beyond His earthly master, would his love extend To Him who--Hush! I will not doubt that He Is better than our fears, and will not wrong The least, the meanest of created things.

O. W. HOLMES.

* * * * *

HEROES.

The heroes are not all six feet tall, Large souls, may dwell in bodies small, The heart that will melt with sympathy For the poor and the weak, whoe'er it be, Is a thing of beauty, whether it shine In a man of forty or lad of nine.

_Scattered Seed._

* * * * *

FOR THE SAKE OF THE INNOCENT ANIMALS.

During his march to conquer the world, Alexander, the Macedonian, came to a people in Africa, who dwelt in a remote and secluded corner, in peaceful huts, and knew neither war nor conqueror. They led him to the hut of their chief, and placed before him golden dates, golden figs, and bread of gold. "Do you eat gold in this country?" said Alexander. "I take it for granted," replied the chief, "that thou wert able to find eatables in thine own country. For what reason, then, art thou come among us?" "Your gold has not tempted me hither," said Alexander; "but I would become acquainted with your manner and customs." "So be it," rejoined the other; "sojourn among us as long as it pleaseth thee." At, the close of this conversation two citizens entered, as into their court of justice. The plaintiff said: "I bought of this man a piece of land, and as I was making a deep drain through it, I found a treasure. This is not mine, for I only bargained for the land, and not for any treasure that might be concealed beneath it; and yet the former owner of the land will not receive it." The defendant answered: "I hope I have a conscience as well as my fellow-citizen. I sold him the land with all its contingent, as well as existing advantages, and consequently the treasure inclusively."

The chief, who was also their supreme judge, recapitulated their words, in order that the parties might see whether or not he understood them aright. Then, after some reflection, he said, "Thou hast a son, friend, I believe?" "Yes." "And thou (addressing the other) a daughter?" "Yes." "Well, then, let thy son marry thy daughter, and bestow the treasure on the young couple for a marriage portion." Alexander seemed surprised and perplexed. "Think you my sentence unjust?" the chief asked him. "Oh, no!" replied Alexander; "but it astonishes me." "And how, then," rejoined the chief, "would the case have been decided in your country?" "To confess the truth," said Alexander, "we should have taken both into custody, and have seized the treasure for the king's use." "For the king's use!" exclaimed the chief. "Does the sun shine on that country?" "Oh, yes." "Does it rain there?" "Assuredly." "Wonderful! But are there tame animals in the country that live on the grass and green herbs?" "Very many, and of many kinds." "Ay, that must then be the cause," said the chief; "for the sake of those innocent animals the all-gracious Being continues to let the sun shine and the rain drop down on your own country, since its inhabitants are unworthy of such blessings."

UNKNOWN.

* * * * *

RING OUT.

Ring out a slowly dying cause, And ancient forms of party strife; Ring in the nobler modes of life, _With sweeter manners, purer laws._

Ring out false pride in place and blood, The civic slander and the spite; Ring in the love of truth and right, _Ring in the common love of good._

Ring in the valiant man and free, _The larger heart, the kindlier hand;_ Ring out the darkness of the land, Ring in the Christ that is to be.

A. TENNYSON.

* * * * *

FAME AND DUTY.

"What shall I do, lest life in silence pass?" "And if it do, And never prompt the bray of noisy brass, What need'st thou rue? Remember, aye the ocean-deeps are mute; The shallows roar: Worth is the ocean,--fame is but the bruit Along the shore."

"What shall I do to be forever known?" "Thy duty ever." "This did full many who yet slept unknown." "Oh, never, never! Think'st thou perchance that they remain unknown Whom thou know'st not? By angel trumps in heaven their praise is blown-- Divine their lot."

"What shall I do to gain eternal life?" "Discharge aright _The simple dues with which each day is rife, Yea, with thy might_. Ere perfect scheme of action thou devise, Will life be fled, Where he, who ever acts as conscience cries, Shall live though dead."

SCHILLER.

* * * * *

NO CEREMONY.

No ceremony that to great ones 'longs, Not the king's crown, nor the deputed sword, The marshal's truncheon, nor the judge's robe, Become them with one half so good a grace As mercy does. If he had been as you, And you as he, you would have slipt like him; But he, like you, would not have been so stern.

_Measure for Measure_, Act 2, Sc. 2.

* * * * *

TRUE LEADERS.

Languor is not in your heart, Weakness is not in your word, Weariness not in your brow. Ye alight in our van! at your voice. Panic, despair flee away. Ye move through the ranks, recall The stragglers, refresh the outworn, Praise, reinspire the brave.

Order, courage return; Eyes rekindling, and prayers Follow your steps as you go. Ye fill up the gaps in our files, Strengthen the wavering line, Stablish, continue our march, On, to the bound of the waste, On, to the City of God.

MATTHEW ARNOLD.

* * * * *

BE KIND TO DUMB CREATURES.

A SONG.

Be kind to dumb creatures, be gentle, be true, For food and protection they look up to you; For affection and help to your bounty they turn. Oh, do not their trusting hearts wantonly spurn!

_Chorus:_ Be kind to dumb creatures, nor grudge them your care, God gave them their life, and your love they must share; And He who the sparrow's fall tenderly heeds, Will lovingly look on compassionate deeds.

The brave are the tender,--then do not refuse To carefully cherish the brutes you must use; Make their life's labor sweet, not dreary and sad, Their working and serving you, easy and glad. _Chorus:_ "Be kind," etc.

He made them and blessed them, the least are his care: The swallow that wings her swift flight through the air, The dog on your hearthstone, the horse in your barn, The cow in your pasture, the sheep on your farm. _Chorus:_ "Be kind," etc.

_Our Dumb Animals._

* * * * *

ACTION.

Do something! do it soon! with all thy might; An angel's wing would droop if long at rest, And God inactive were no longer blest. Some high or humble enterprise of good Contemplate till it shall possess thy mind, Become thy study, pastime, rest, and food, And kindle in thy heart a flame refined: Pray heaven for firmness thy whole soul to bind To this high purpose: to begin, pursue, With thoughts all fixed, and feelings purely kind; Strength to complete, and with delight review, And strength to give the praise where all is due.

WILCOX.

* * * * *

"IN HIM WE LIVE."

The measureless gulfs of air are full of Thee: Thou art, and therefore hang the stars: they wait And swim, and shine in God who bade them be, And hold their sundering voids inviolate.

A God concerned (veiled in pure light) to bless, With sweet revealing of his love, the soul; _Towards things piteous, full of piteousness; The Cause, the Life, and the continuing Whole.

He is more present to all things He made Than anything unto itself can be; Full-foliaged boughs of Eden could not shade Afford, since God was also 'neath the tree._

JEAN INGELOW.

* * * * *

FIRM AND FAITHFUL.

Be firm and be faithful; desert not the right; The brave are the bolder, the darker the night; Then up and be doing, though cowards may fail; Thy duty pursuing, dare all, and prevail.

If scorn be thy portion, if hatred and loss, If stripes or a prison, remember the cross! God watches above thee, and He will requite; Stand firm and be faithful, desert not the right.

NORMAN MCLEOD.

* * * * *

HEART SERVICE.

Our hearts' pure service, Love, be thine, Who clothest all with rights divine, Whose great Soul burns, though ne'er so dim, In all that walk, or fly, or swim.

All Father! who on Mercy's throne Hear'st thy dumb creatures' faintest moan,-- Thy love be ours, and ours shall be Returned in deeds to thine and Thee.

REV. H. BERNARD CARPENTER.

* * * * *

EXULTING SINGS.

Sweet morn! from countless cups of gold Thou liftest reverently on high More incense fine than earth can hold, To fill the sky.