20 BRITISH FISH AND FISHERIES. 



— indeed, such ■wonders and pleasures, too, as 

 the land aftbrds 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 contem- 

 plative 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 b}' their 

 powerful eloquence to beget faith in the unbe- 

 lieving Jews ; and themselves to suffer for that 

 Saviour whom their forefathers 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 those happy fishermen, concern- 

 ing 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 natiu-e, 

 were fitted for quietness and contemplation — 

 men of mild, and sweet, and peaceable spirits : 

 these men our blessed Saviour, who is observed 

 to love to plant grace in good natures, though, 



