The Compleat ^Angler 



Sir, these examples may to you and others seem strange, but they 

 are testified, some by Aristotle, some by Pliny, some by Gesner, 

 and by many others of credit ; and are believed and known by 

 divers both of wisdom and experience, to be a truth ; and indeed 

 are (as I said at the beginning) fit for the contemplation of a most 

 serious and a most pious man. And doubtless this made the 

 prophet David say, "They that occupy themselves in deep waters 

 see the wonderful works of God:" indeed such wonders and 

 pleasures too, as the land affords not. 



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 

 prophets 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 inspired and sent to publish his blessed will to 

 the Gentiles ; 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 forefathers and they had crucified ; and, in their sufferings, 

 to preach freedom from the encumbrances 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 obser- 

 vations. 



First, That he never reproved these for their employment or 

 calling, as he did scribes and the money-changers. And secondly, 

 he found that the hearts of such men by nature were fitted for 

 contemplation and quietness ; men of mild, and sweet, and peace- 

 able 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 that these our 

 four fishermen should have a priority of nomination in the catalogue 

 of his twelve apostles (Matt. 10) ; as namely, first, St. Peter, 



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