and his
noble industry were thereby preserved from perishing in _Noah's_ Floud.

These (my worthy Friend) have been the opinions of some men, that
possibly may have endeavoured to make it more ancient then may well be
warranted. But for my part, I shall content my self in telling you,
That _Angling_ is much more ancient then the incarnation of our
Saviour: For both in the Prophet _Amos_, [Chap. 4. 2.] and before him in
_Job_, [Chap. 41.] (which last Book is judged to be written by _Moses_)
mention is made _fish-hooks_, which must imply _Anglers_ in those
times.

But (my worthy friend) as I would rather prove my self to be a
Gentleman, by being _learned_ and _humble_, _valiant_ and _inoffensive_,
_vertuous_ and _communicable_, then by a fond ostentation of _riches_;
or (wanting these Vertues my self) boast that these were in my
Ancestors; [And yet I confesse, that where a noble and ancient Descent
and such Merits meet in any man, it is a double dignification of that
person:] and so, if this Antiquitie of Angling (which, for my part, I
have not forc'd) shall, like an ancient Familie, by either an honour, or
an ornament to this vertuous Art which I both love and practise, I shall
be the gladder that I made an accidental mention of it; and shall
proceed to the justification, or rather commendation of it.

_Viat._ My worthy Friend, I am much pleased with your discourse, for
that you seem to be so ingenuous, and so modest, as not to stretch
arguments into Hyperbolicall expressions, but such as indeed they will
reasonably bear; and I pray, proceed to the justification, or
commendations of Angling, which I also long to hear from you.

_Pisc._ Sir, I shall proceed; and my next discourse shall be rather a
Commendation, then a Justification of Angling: for, in my judgment, if
it deserves to be commended, it is more then justified; for some
practices what may be justified, deserve no commendation: yet there
are none that deserve commendation but may be justified.

And now having said this much by way of preparation, I am next to tell
you, that in ancient times a debate hath risen, (and it is not yet
resolved) Whether _Contemplation_ or _Action_ be the chiefest thing
wherin the happiness of a man doth most consist in this world?

Concerning which, some have maintained 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 that God injoyes himself only by