Thomas Young
Clergyman
"Most men, I suppose, esteem it a duty which they owe to God, to beg his
blessing upon the food of which, through his bounty, they are about to
partake. But how absurdly impious is it to beg his blessing upon a table
which is furnished out in part by the abuse of his bounty, and the torture
of his creatures! For my own part, I could not join in such a grace, and far
from expecting a blessing, should be more apt to dread a curse, upon such a
table."
- An Essay on Humanity to Animals, 1798(p.134).
"I think the English have more of cruelty to animals in their sports in
general, than any of their neighbours; which I the more wonder at, because
there is no people among whom human life is more sacred, or of more
value..."
- An Essay on Humanity to Animals, 1798, p.69