THE COMPLETE ANGLER 239 



we enjoy daily. And for most of them, because they be 

 so common, most men forget to pay their praises : but 

 let not us, because it is a sacrifice so pleasing to Him that 

 made that sun and us, and still protects us, and gives us 

 flowers and showers, and stomachs and meat, and content 

 and leisure to go a-fishing. 



Well, scholar, I have almost tired myself, and, I fear, 

 more than almost tired you ; but I now see Tottenham 

 High Cross, and our short walk thither shall put a period 

 to my too long discourse, in which my meaning was and is, 

 to plant that in your mind, with which I labour to possess 

 my own soul : that is, a meek and thankful heart. And 

 to that end, I have shewed you that riches, without them, 

 do not make any man happy. But let me tell you, that 

 riches, with them, remove many fears and cares ; and 

 therefore my advice is, that you endeavour to be honestly 

 rich, or contentedly poor : but be sure that your riches 

 be justly got, or you spoil all. For it is well said by 

 Caussin,*" he that loses his conscience, has nothing left 

 that is worth keeping." Therefore be sure you look to 

 that. And, in the next place, look to your health : and 

 if you have it, praise God, and value it next to a good 

 conscience ; for health is the second blessing that we 

 mortals are capable of ; a blessing that money cannot 

 buy, and therefore value it, and be thankful for it. As 

 for money, which may be said to be the third blessing, 

 neglect it not : but note, that there is no necessity of being 

 rich : for I told you there be as many miseries beyond 

 riches, as on this side them : and, if you have a com- 

 petence, enjoy it with a meek, cheerful, thankful heart. 



* Nicholas Caussin, a native of Troyes in Champagne, wrote a 

 book called, The Holy Court ; of which there is an English transla- 

 tion in folio. He was esteemed a person of great probity, and of 

 such a spirit, that he attempted to displace Cardinal Richelieu ; but 

 that minister proved too hard for him, and got him banished. The 

 sentiment above quoted from him, is worthy of Marcus Antoninus, 

 or, if that be not enough to say, of Dr. Jeremy Taylor himself. H. 



