NOBLE SPORT by Julia H. Duffie

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 4, 1897

“NOBLE SPORT.”

By Julia H. Duffie

We not infrequently read of noted individuals being fond of the “noble sport” of hunting; even in women of high rank in the old world this pastime is spoken of as being highly praiseworthy.

Webster defines “noble” as “that possessing eminence or dignity; above that which is low or mean; magnanimous, liberal,” etc.

No doubt it is sometimes necessary for those living in new countries to depend somewhat upon wild game for food, which of course necessitates hunting and killing it. Sometimes also wild creatures become pests, when it becomes proper to destroy them. Yet these excuses are often given when not valid, to justify the cruel work. The real motive power being a love for the business of pursuing, capturing and butchering defenseless animals.

But when those rolling in wealth, with all the luxuries of earth at their command, will make a business of raising deer and other harmless creatures simply for the pleasure of chasing them down with hounds and killing them, then it seems that the acme of cruelty and inhumanity is reached. “Noble sport,” indeed! If this be noble, pray what might be called ignoble?

A beautiful deer is grazing happily on the hillside, with her little speckled darling at her side, when a party of half a dozen men and women, mounted on swift horses, and preceded by a pack of pitiless, bloodthirsty hounds, catch the trail, pursue, terrify, agonize and kill the innocent creature. This is noble? An overwhelming force of the strong and powerful assailing the feeble, innocent and defenseless! O, shame, shame upon such “nobility”!

I can not think that those who thus lightly esteem innocent creatures can have any very exalted idea of the Creator. I can not think that those who have hardened their sensibilities by such a wanton, merciless practice can ever be tender, considerate parents, or have a proper estimate of any of the relations of life. The outdoor exercise, the horseback riding, and all that might be called ennobling if disconnected with the despicable business of “the chase.” That can only be degrading in the last degree. Cowardly fun would be a much more appropriate name for it than “noble sport.” It is noble to protect the weak, but cowardly to take the advantage of them unnecessarily.

The lower creation was given into man’s hands to use, but not to abuse. They are his to guide and protect, and how basely he betrays his lordship when he makes use of his power to harass and wantonly torture these beings which many times possess finer feelings than their human, or inhuman, persecutors. Will such ever hear the plaudit, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things”? It seems to me that they will more likely hear, “Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.”

What a comfort to reflect that there is to be a country where “they shall not hurt nor destroy;” where every creature shall maintain its proper relation toward every other creature, and where divine love shall rule over all. God speed the day! JULIA H. DUFFIE.