Meet the Poet

A couple of years ago, I asked Eugene Peterson, translator of The Message, to recommend some of his favorite poets for my seminary students who take creative writing classes. Among the few he rattled off was George Herbert.

Born in 1593, Herbert was a Welsh poet who was also an orator and a minister. His excellent education (he knew English, Latin, and Greek) led him to prominent positions both at Cambridge and in parliament.

Though Herbert entered college intending to enter the ministry, his sharp mind attracted King James I. After serving two years in parliament, and after the death of James I, Herbert gave up his secular ambitions and took holy orders in the Church of England.

He spent the rest of his life as rector of the little parish of St. Andrew Bemerton, seventy-five miles west of London. He faithfully served his people by bringing them communion when they were shut in and providing necessities for those who lacked them. During these years he wrote poems characterized by precise language, versatile meter, and brilliant imagery.

On his deathbed Herbert gave his works to a friend, whom he instructed either to publish them (if they might encourage someone) or burn them. Within 50 years, they were in their 13th printing.

Today you can find Herbert's poems in the public domain:
http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poet/159.html