Inadequacy to the task is the immediate response of a priest of the 21st century reading Herbert’s reflections on ministry of nearly 400 years ago. Yet the priest today will also want to recognise the limitations Herbert’s personal aristocratic background, and his acceptance of the social status quo before embracing Herbert’s spirituality in its entirety.
Perhaps Herbert’s rhetorical skills to impinge on the reader and move them to a response is still as effective today as it was designed to be on his first audience. It is this which makes it a text of enduring spiritual value. Herbert’s comprehensive spirituality embracing all of life, his view of scripture married with his practise of prayer and liturgy, and his emphasis on discovering a vocation for all, speak to the priest today.
It is evident that although George Herbert’s context was a different social and political world to today, some of his practise and theology still has meaning and can bring challenge to its reader, especially the practitioners of Anglican ministry. Married to Anita since 1995 (a secondary science teacher) we enjoy cycling in the sunshine as long as the destination includes sitting in a coffee shop. I love the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that ministry at St George’s allows. My own journey has been one in which God has challenged me to give up dreams of ‘success’ in favour of fruitfulness. This led me to complete an MA in Christian Spirituality at Heythrop College in 2009. I find that I am increasingly interested in spiritual formation. Prior to ordination I worked in India for 18 months with the Oasis Trust. I became a Vicar in multi-racial, multi-faith, Southall in 2001, having trained at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford (BTh) and serving a curacy in Cricklewood.
Garthwait, at the little north door of St Paul's, 1652.Vicar of St George’s Church Southall and Area Dean of EalingĪs a keen gardener I like the metaphor of Jesus as a master gardener pruning his followers for further growth. If you have questions about the collection, please contact If you have concerns about the inclusion of an item in this collection, please contact This statement does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. These transcriptions are believed to be in the public domain in the United States however, if you decide to use any of these transcriptions, you are responsible for making your own legal assessment and securing any necessary permission.
The University of Michigan Library provides access to these keyboarded and encoded editions of the works for educational and research purposes. A priest to the temple, or, The country parson his character, and rule of holy life.
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