CHAP. XXXIII. The Parson’s Library.

I was really expecting this chapter to be advice on study and reading.  Instead, Herbert reminds us that the purpose of our studies is to serve God’s Kingdom.  It reminds me of the phrase ‘a christian’s life is the only Bible some people read’.  Notice he does mention we should study our souls, the ‘lusts [...]

Read Full Post »

CHAP. XXXII. The Parson’s Surveys.

The following chapter doesn’t relate immediately to pastoral work, but it is interesting to note the scope of Herbert’s view of the minister’s calling.  While the details don’t exactly fit the modern context, I am challenged by the idea of seeing the mission of the Church integral to the well being of the social order [...]

Read Full Post »

CHAP. XXX. The Parson’s Consideration of Providence.

Can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve posted anything… Here’s Chapter 30 from George Herbert’s The Country Parson.
THe Countrey Parson considering the great aptnesse if Countrey people have to think that all things come by a kind of naturall course; and that if they sow and soyle their grounds, [...]

Read Full Post »

CHAP. XXVIII. The Parson in Contempt.

THe Countrey Parson knows well, that both for the generall ignominy which is cast upon the profession, and much more for those rules, which out of his choysest judgment hee hath resolved to observe, and which are described in this Book, he must be despised; because this hath been the portion [...]

Read Full Post »

CHAP. XXVII. The Parson in mirth.

THe Countrey Parson is generally sad, because hee knows nothing but the Crosse of Christ, his minde being defixed on it with those nailes wherewith his Master was: or if he have any leisure to look off from thence, he meets continually with two most sad spectacles. Sin, and [...]

Read Full Post »

CHAP. XXVI. The Parson’s eye.

This week’s chapter from George Herbert’s The Country Parson is a longer one, I’ll post the full thing today, commentary will follow later.
THe Countrey Parson at spare times from action, standing on a hill, and considering his Flock, discovers two sorts of vices, and two sorts of vicious persons. There are [...]

Read Full Post »

CHAP. XXV. The Parson punishing.

WHensoever the Countrey Parson proceeds so farre as to call in Authority, and to do such things of legall opposition either in the presenting, or punishing of any, as the vulgar ever consters for signes of ill will; he forbears not in any wise to use the delinquent as [...]

Read Full Post »

CHAP. XXIV. The Parson arguing.

THe Countrey Parson, if there be any of his parish that hold strange Doctrins, useth all possible diligence to reduce them to the common Faith. The first means he useth is Prayer, beseeching the Father of lights to open their eyes, and to give him power so to fit his discourse to [...]

Read Full Post »

Happy Christmas!

Two poems by Herbert:
Christmas (I)
After all pleasures as I rid one day,
My horse and I, both tired, body and mind,
With full cry of affections, quite astray;
I took up the next inn I could find.
There when I came, whom found I but my dear,
My dearest Lord, expecting till the grief
Of pleasures brought me to Him, ready [...]

Read Full Post »

CHAP. XXIII. The Parson’s Completenesse.

THe Countrey Parson desires to be all to his Parish, and not onely a Pastour, but a Lawyer also, and a Phisician. Therefore hee endures not that any of his Flock should go to Law; but in any Controversie, that they should resort to him as their Judge. To this end, he hath gotten to [...]

Read Full Post »