Priest to the Temple or The Country Parson

George Herbert came late to the priesthood after exploring a career in political life and served at Lincoln Cathedral and Leighton Bromswold parish before becoming Rector of Bemerton, near Salisbury. It was here that he made his prose picture of the model country parson reflecting in generous measure the humility, energy and compassionate kindness for which he had quickly gained a reputation. He died shortly before his fortieth birthday and only three years after his ordination.