The Compleat Angler
or the Contemplative Man's Recreation by Izaac Walton
I
saw a reference to The Compleat Angler in a NYT book review; and was intrigued on its
relevancy some 300 years post publication . Written circ. 1653 it celebrates the
joys of fishing: to catch, eat and delight in, as well as
provide timeless advice and instruction. Discussion persists on Walton's true
intent but his style and language seem to position the Angler as a philosophical text rather
than a narrowly focused, historical one; "
All in all an enjoyable good
read, in a dialogue format (which is uncommon in most books I read) between
Piscator, Venator, and Auceps, "as meandering as a quiet brook."
Interesting
side commentary on 'modern day miracles' : "... the nightingale...
breathes such sweet loud music out of her little instrumental throat, that it
might make mankind to think miracles are not ceased". 1600's is clearly 'pre' restoration.
Walton joins
in the discussion of the happiness of men in this world whether it consists more in
contemplation or in action. Was Mary or Martha more virtuous in their pursuit
of the Lord. The author would have one believe that 'both these meet together
and do most properly belong to the most honest ingenious, and harmless art of
angling.' I enjoy the discussion of Christ endorsing fishing and calling
multiple fishermen as his disciples as one of its evidences.
"When
God intended to reveal any future events or high notions to the prophets he
then carried them to the dessert or the seashore; and having so separated
them from amidst the press of people and business and cares of the world might
settle their mind in a quiet repose, and there make them fit for
revelation." So fishing is making time and space to contemplate and be
receptive to the promptings of the Spirit.
I've
never pondered why people want the Common Book Of Prayer - common prayer beyond the sacrament prayers just didn't
make any sense to me but here he quotes Ch. Harvie that made me see the proposition in a different light - that makes sense to me.
"They
that in private by themselves alone
Do
pray, may take what liberty they please,
in
choosing of the ways
Wherein
to make
their
souls most intimate affections known
To
him that sees in secret, when
Th'are
most concealed from other men
but
he that unto others leads the way
in
public prayer
should
do it so
as
all that hear may know
they
need not fear
to
turn their hearts unto his tongue and say
amen
! not doubt they were betrayed to blaspheme when they meant to have
prayed."
"You will find angling to
be like the virtue of humility, which has a calmness of spirit and a world of
other blessings attending upon it."
"I love such mirth as does
not make friends ashamed to look upon one another next morning." - if only
every teenager could abide such counsel
"No man can lose what he never had."
"We may say of angling as
Dr. Boteler said of strawberries: "Doubtless God could have made a better
berry, but doubtless God never did"; and so, if I might be judge, God
never did make a more calm, quiet, innocent recreation than angling."
"Look to your health; and
if you have it, praise God, and value it next to a good conscience; for health
is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of; a blessing that money
cannot buy."
Health ,competence and clear
conscience were his prescriptions to a good and meaningful life. He doesn't
condemn riches but warns that they come with a cost and aren't always accompanied
by happiness. Content will never dwell but in a meek and quiet soul.
I
Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own
business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
Then
my favorite quote which embraces the life of evan - They who God takes care of
are in safe protection -"Ce que dieu garde est bien gardé "
All said and done the reading
makes me want to go to the lake, fish, and ponder!
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