George Herbert Quotes

       George Herbert
       1593-1633
      
       George Herbert was a Welsh poet, orator and priest. Being born into an artistic and wealthy family, he received a good education which led to his holding prominent positions at Cambridge University and Parliament.
      
       As a student at Trinity College, Cambridge, England, George Herbert excelled in languages and music. He went to college with the intention of becoming a priest, but his scholarship attracted the attention of King James I. Herbert served in parliament for two years. After the death of King James and at the urging of a friend, Herbert's interest in ordained ministry was renewed.
      
       In 1630, in his late thirties he gave up his secular ambitions and took holy orders in the Church of England, spending the rest of his life as a rector of the little parish of St. Andrew Bemerton, near Salisbury.
      
       He was noted for unfailing care for his parishioners, bringing the sacraments to them when they were ill, and providing food and clothing for those in need.
      
       Throughout his life he wrote religious poems characterized by a precision of language. He is best remembered as a writer of poems and the hymn "Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life."

Be not too presumptuously sure in any business; for things of this world depend on such a train of unseen chances that if it were in man's hands to set the tables, still he would not be certain to win the game.     Topics: Achievement, Business Sum up at night what thou hast done by day, and in the morning what thou hast to do; dress and undress thy soul; mark the decay or growth of it. If with thy watch, that too be down, then wind up both. Since thou shalt be most surely judged, make thine accounts agree.     Topics: Achievement, Judging If a donkey bray at you, don't bray at him.     Topics: Anger The mouse that hath but one hole is quickly taken.     Topics: Apathy A gentle heart is tied with an easy thread.     Topics: Character, Gentleness, The Heart There would be no great men if there were no little ones.     Topics: Character, Men Who shuts his hand has lost his gold, Who opens it hath it twice told.     Topics: Charity Little pitchers have wide ears.     Topics: Children None knows the weight of another's burden.     Topics: Compassion Pursue not a victory too far. He hath conquered well that hath made his enemy fly; thou mayest beat him to a desperate resistance, which may ruin thee.     Topics: Compassion, Enemies If any speak ill of thee, fly home to thy own conscience and examine thy heart. If thou art guilty, it is a just correction; if not guilty, it is a fair instruction.     Topics: Conscience, The Heart He hath no leisure who useth it not.     Topics: Contentment