The Complete Angler 1653 by Izaak Walton
page 29 of 141 (20%)
page 29 of 141 (20%)
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Concerning which last, namely, the Prophet _Amos_, I shall make but this Observation, That he that shall read the humble, lowly, plain stile of that Prophet, and compare it with the high, glorious, eloquent stile of the prophet _Isaiah_ (though they be both equally true) may easily believe him to be a good natured, plaine Fisher-man. Which I do the rather believe, by comparing the affectionate, lowly, humble epistles of S. _Peter_, S. _James_ and S. _John_, whom we know were Fishers, with the glorious language and high Metaphors of S. _Paul_, who we know was not. Let me give you the example of two men more, that have lived nearer to our own times: first of Doctor _Nowel_ sometimes Dean of S. _Paul's_, (in which Church his Monument stands yet undefaced) a man that in the Reformation of Queen _Elizabeth_ (not that of _Henry the VIII_.) was so noted for his meek spirit, deep Learning, Prudence and Piety, that the then Parliament and Convocation, both chose, injoyned, and trusted him to be the man to make a Catechism for publick use, such a one as should stand as a rule for faith and manners to their posteritie: And the good man (though he was very learned, yet knowing that God leads us not to heaven by hard questions) made that good, plain, unperplext Catechism, that is printed with the old Service Book. I say, this good man was as dear a lover, and constant practicer of Angling, as any Age can produce; and his custome was to spend (besides his fixt hours of prayer, those hours which by command of the Church were enjoined the old Clergy, and voluntarily dedicated to devotion by many Primitive Christians:) besides those hours, this good man was observed to spend, or if you will, to bestow a tenth part of his time in Angling; and also (for I have conversed with those which have conversed with him) to |
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