3G THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [parti. 



And that they be fit for the contemplation of the 

 most prudent, and pious, and peaceable, men, seems 

 to be testified by the practice of so many devout 

 and contemplative men, as the Patriarchs and Pro- 

 phets of old, and of the Apostles of our Saviour in 

 our latter times ; of which twelve, we are sure he 

 chose four that were simple Fishermen, whom he in- 

 spired and sent to publish his blessed will to the Gen- 

 tiles, and inspired them also with a power to speak 

 all languages, and by their powerful eloquence to 

 beget faith in the unbelieving Jews, and themselves 

 to suffer for that Saviour whom their fore-fathers 

 and they had crucified ; and, in their sufferings, to 

 preach freedom from the incumbrances of the law, 

 and a new way to everlasting life. This was the 

 employment of these happy fishermen, concerning 

 which choice, some have made these observations. 



First, That he never reproved these for their em- 

 ployment or calling, as he did scribes and the mo- 

 ney-changers. And secondly, he found that the 

 hearts of such men by nature were fitted for contem- 

 plation and quietness ; men of mild, and sweet, and 

 peaceable, spirits, as indeed most Anglers are : these 

 men, our blessed Saviour, who is observed to love 

 to plant grace in good natures, though indeed 

 nothing be too hard for him, yet these men he 

 chose to call from their irreprovable employment of 

 fishing, and gave them grace to be his disciples, and 

 to follow him and do wonders ; I say four of twelve. 



And it is observable, that it was our Saviour's will, 



