Opinions may, and do, differ as to the source from which this sustenance for the body should be obtained--whether from the animal or vegetable kingdoms, or both, and while admitting that vegetarianism and flesh-eating both have their advantages and disadvantages, our own conscientious conviction is, that the true solution of the question is to be found in the happy medium--that a mixed diet is the best for mankind under existing conditions.
The main argument of our vegetarian friends against the practice of flesh-eating is the humanitarian one. We are familiar with all the objections urged--the brutalizing effect upon the human mind of so much ruthless blood-shed--of the sacredness of life, and of man’s presumption in daring to deprive a living creature of existence; but with all due respect to the sensibilities of these worthy people, we are inclined to think that the argument is scarcely tenable. We do not wish to be understood as defending the cruelties that are said to be practised in the abattoirs; but the taking of life is inseparable from existence. It is simply a question of degree. There is a sect in India, the members of which are so scrupulous regarding the sanctity of life that they carefully brush every step of the path in front of them, lest they should inadvertently step upon any creeping thing. In this, they lift the burden of responsibility from themselves for any wanton injury; but the microscope has shown us that there is a countless world of infinitesimal life all around us, and that it is practically impossible to draw a breath, or drink a mouthful of water, without destroying some living thing. If we accept the teaching of the Scriptures, that not a sparrow falls to the ground without the knowledge of the Creator, then we must conclude that the life of the ant is of as much importance in His eyes as that of the ox or sheep. We repeat, we are not posing as advocates of indiscriminate and wanton slaughter, but on utilitarian grounds, we consider the use of the flesh of animals, as a food, justifiable.
If we needed any scriptural authority for the practice, we could point to the Hebrews, who (according to Holy Writ) received through Moses not only permission to use meat as an article of diet, but instructions for the killing of the selected animals, together with injunctions to avoid the flesh of certain kinds; and they may be cited as a striking example of the value of a mixed diet.