Among the great English writers and poets of the early seventh century, we remember George Herbert who died on March 1, 1633. He was born into an aristocratic family which was distinguished for service to the English crown. His early intent was to become a priest in the Anglican Church. He excelled in languages and music. However, his scholarship came to the attention of King James I, who appointed him to parliament for two years. After the king’s death he was once more interested in being ordained. In 1630 he was assigned a small parish. He was faithful to his flock, providing care and bringing them the sacraments when they were ill and providing food and clothing to those in need.
He also wrote a manual for ministers of small parishes called, “The Country Parson.”
In the chapter entitled, the Parson’s Knowledge, he writes, “But the chief and top of his knowledge consists in the book of books, the storehouse and magazine of life and comfort, Holy Scriptures. There he sucks and lives.” He adds in the next chapter, “The Country Parson hath read the Fathers also, and the Schoolmen, and the later Writers, or a good proportion of all, out of all which he hath compile a book, and body of Divinity, which is the storehouse of his Sermons, and which he preacheth all his Life; but diversely clothed, illustrated, and enlarged.” So he proceeds through the life and duties of the Country Pastor covering how to lead worship, administer the sacraments, pray and conduct himself in his life.
Herbert also wrote innumerable poems. His poems “The altar” and “Easter Wings” are written in the shape of an altar and wings respectively. For the sake of space I will only include his shortest poem.
Ana-{ Mary } gram
{Army}
How well her name an Army doth present,
In whom the Lord of Hosts did pitch his tent!
One of his hymns is in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (816). The first stanza follows.
Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
1. Come, my way, my truth, my life:
Such a way as gives us breath;
such a truth as ends all strife;
such a life as killeth death.
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