none that deserve commendation be justified. but may And now having faid this much by way of preparation, I am next to tell you, that in ancient times a debate hath rifen, (and it is notyet refolved) Whether Contemplation or Action bethechiefeft thing wherin the happiness of a man doth most confift in this world? Concerning which, fome have maintained their opinion ofthe first, by saying, "[That the nearer we "Mortals come to God by way of "imitation, the more happy we "are:] And that God injoyes himself only by Contemplation of his own Goodness, Eternity, Infiniteness, and Power, and the like; and upon this ground many of them prefer Contemplation before Action: and indeed, many ofthe Fathers feem to approve this opinion, as may apin their Comments upon pear upon the words of our Saviour to *Martha. * Luk. 10. 41,42. And And contrary to these, others of equal Authority and credit, have preferred Action to be chief; as experiments in Phyfick, and the application of it, both for the ease and prolongation of mans life, by which man is enabled to act, and to do good to others: And they say alfo, That Action is not only Doctrinal, but a maintainer of humane Society; and for these, and other reafons, tobe preferr'd before Contemplation. Concerning which two opinions, I fhall forbear to add a third, by declaring my own, and reft my self contented in telling you (my worthy friend) thatboth these meettogether, and do moft properly belong to the most honeft, ingenious, harmless Art of Angling. And first Ishall tel you whatsome have observed, and I have found in my self, That the very fitting by the Rivers fide, is not only the fitteft n‹ place place for, but will invite the Angler banish'd all mirth and Mufick from Andaningenuous Spaniard fayes, "[That both Rivers, and the inha"bitants of the watery Element, "were created for wife men to con"template, and fools to pass by "without confideration. And though I am too wife to rank my felf in the first number, yet give me leave to free my self from the last, by offering to thee afhortcontemplation, first of Rivers, and then of Fish: concerning which, I doubt not but to relate to you many C things J things very confiderable. Concerning Rivers, there be divers wonders reported of them by Authors, of fuch credit, that we need not deny them an Historical faith. As of a River in Epirus, that puts out any lighted Torch, and kindles any Torch that was not lighted. Of the River Selarus, that in a few hours turns a rod or a wand into stone (and our Camden mentions the like wonder in England:) that there is a River in Arabia, of which allthe Sheepthatdrink thereofhave their Woolturned intoa Vermilion colour. And one of no less credit then Ariftotle, tels us of a merry River, the River Elufina, that dances This is at the noise of Mufick, that with by Ennius Mufick it bubbles, dances, and and Solon growes fandy, but returns to a wonHistory. ted calmness and clearness when the Mufick ceases. And lastly, (for I would not tire your patience) Jose In his Won ders of na turc. confirmed in his holy phus phus, that learned Jew, tells us of a River in Judea,that runs and moves swiftly all the fix dayes of the week, and stands still and refts upon their Sabbath day. But Sir, left this difcourfe may seem tedious, Ishall give it afweet conclufion out of that holy Poet Mr. George Herbert his Divine Contemplation on Gods providence. Lord,who hath praise enough, nay, who hath any? We all acknowledge both thy power and love Wherefore, moft Sacred Spirit, I here present And as concerning Fish, in that Pfal. 104, C 2 |