CHAP. I.] THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 57 



knowledge of the mathematics, music, and the rest of that pre- 

 cious knowledge, and those useful arts which by God's ap- 

 pointment or allowance and his noble industry were thereby 

 preserved from perishing in Noah's flood. 



These, Sir, have been the opinions of several men, that have 

 possibly endeavored to make Angling more ancient than is 

 needful, or may well be warranted ; but for my part, I shall 

 content myself in telling you, that Angling is much more 

 ancient than the incarnation of our Saviour ; for in the Prophet 

 Amos mention is made of fish-hqoks ; and in the Book of Job, 

 which was long before the days of Amos, for that book is said 

 to be writ by Moses, mention is made also of fish-hooks, which 

 must imply Anglers in those times. 



But, my worthy friend, as I would rather prove myself a 

 gentleman by being learned and humble, valiant and inoffen- 

 sive, virtuous and communicable, than by any fond ostenta- 

 tion of riches, or, wanting those virtues myself, boast that these 

 were in my ancestors, and yet I grant that where a noble and 

 ancient descent and such merits meet in any man, it is a double 

 dignification of that person : so if this antiquity of Angling, 

 which for my part I have not forced, shall, like an ancient 

 family, be either an honor or an ornament to this virtuous art 

 which I profess to love and practise, I shall be the gladder 

 that I made an accidental mention of the antiquity of it; of 

 which I shall say no more, but proceed to that just commen- 

 dation which I think it deserves. 



And for that I shall tell you, that in ancient times a debate 

 hath risen, and it remains yet unresolved, whether the happi- 

 ness of man in this world doth consist more in contemplation 

 or action. 



Concerning which, some have endeavored to maintain their 

 opinion of the first, by saying, that the nearer we mortals come 

 to God by way of imitation, the more happy we are. And 

 they say, that God enjoys himself only by a contemplation of 

 bis own Infiniteness, Eternity, Power, and Goodness, and the 



