For this charter did not relate to those
animals only, which lived in the particular country of the Jews, but to
those in all countries wherever Jews might exist. Nor was the observance
of it confined to the Jews only, but it was to extend to the Proselytes
of the covenant and the gate. Nor was the observance of it confined to
these Proselytes, but it was to extend to all nations; because all
animals of the same species are in all countries organized alike, and
have all similar feelings; and because all animals of every kind are
susceptible of pain.
In trying the lawfulness of the diversions of the field, as the Quakers
do by this charter, and the great condition that is annexed to it, I
purpose, in order to save time, to confine myself to hunting, for this
will appear to be the most objectionable, if examined in this manner.
It must be obvious then, that hunting, even in the case of hares, is
seldom followed for the purposes of food. It is uncertain in the first
place, whether in the course of the chase they can be preserved whole
when they are taken, so as to be fit to be eaten. And, in the second, it
may be observed, that we may see fifty horsemen after a pack of hounds,
no one of whom has any property in the pack, nor of course any right to
the prey.
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