students of jesus

George Herbert loved Jesus. He devoted his craft to poems of praise and gratitude. He did not reach his 40^th birthday before dying of consumption, but life was a more fragile undertaking in the 17^th century.

The country-born Welshman had the advantages of wealth and education. He could have pursued a political career and lived among the elites of London. Instead, be chose the life and work of a country pastor, where 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.

He was respected among the metaphysical poets of his day, and in confining his poetry to songs of devotion left us the example of an artist wholly devoted to God while at the same time a creative leader in his society. Would that Christian artists today could lead as well as George Herbert did in his time.

LOVE bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
 Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
   From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
   If I lack'd anything.

'A guest,' I answer'd, 'worthy to be here:'
   Love said, 'You shall be he.'
'I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
   I cannot look on Thee.'
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
   'Who made the eyes but I?'

'Truth, Lord; but I have marr'd them: let my shame
   Go where it doth deserve.'
'And know you not,' says Love, 'Who bore the blame?'
   'My dear, then I will serve.'
'You must sit down,' says Love, 'and taste my meat.'
   So I did sit and eat.