THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 87 



it in some secret place, unfrequented by vermin or any fish 

 but themselves. 



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 iran. 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 fore- 

 fathers 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 observations. 



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 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 irre- 

 provable 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. x. 2. Acts i. 13 ; 

 as namely, first, St. Peter, St. Andrew, St. James, and St. 

 John, and then the rest in their order. 



