THE CONFERENCE. 53 



the prophet Amos mention is made of fish-hooks ; 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 in- 

 offensive, virtuous and communicable, than by any fond 

 ostentation 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 merit 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 honour 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 commendation which I think it 

 deserves. 



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

 bate hath arisen, and it remains yet unresolved : whether 

 the happiness of man in this world doth consist more in 

 contemplation or action ? 



Concerning which, some have endeavoured 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 His own infiniteness, eternity, power, and 

 goodness, and the like. And upon this ground, many clois- 

 tcral men of great learning and devotion prefer contempla- 

 tion before action. And many of the fathers seem to ap- 

 prove this opinion, as may appear in their commentaries 



