In today’s extract, Herbert has some idealistic hopes about how a pastor ought to engage in conversation.

Occasionally, George Herbert can sound a little bit judgmental, as if he would have been a difficult person to be around. You may have noticed this in the extracts over the last few days. Yet his reputation was rather saintly and pleasant. We need to recall, of course, that in this work “The Country Parson” he is giving himself advice, and “a mark to aim at.” It is always good to examine his motives for various suggestions, since the forms and manners may have changed over time but the overriding spiritual purpose could well still be valid.

Thus it is today in this short extract on being God’s watchman in conversations with people. He wants to be a good and godly conversationalist. Yet he doesn’t want to forget in the midst of a hearty chat that he is a pastor. There are various ways to “correct” a conversation, and he intends to do it discreetly and carefully, not merely bellowing out a disagreement with someone or shouting them down.

Some of us are better at diffusing difficult situations than others. Herbert’s advice here might well be useful to ponder as we consider our own modern response to the perils of communication, both face-to-face and on social media.

CHAPTER 18
The Parson in Sentinel

The country parson, wherever he is, keeps God’s watch; that is, there is nothing spoken, or done in the company where he is, but comes under his test and censure. If it be well spoken or done, he takes occasion to commend and enlarge it; if ill, he presently lays hold of it, lest the poison steal into some young and unwary spirits, and possess them even before they themselves heed it.

But this he does discreetly, with mollifying and suppling words, e.g. “This was not so well said, as it might have been forborne”; “We cannot allow this: or else if the thing will admit interpretation”; “Your meaning is not thus, but thus”; or, “So far indeed what you say is true, and well said; but this will not stand.” This is called keeping God’s watch, when the baits which the enemy lays in company are discovered and avoided.

This is to be on God’s side, and be true to his party. Besides, if he perceive in company any discourse tending to ill, either by the wickedness or quarrelsomeness thereof, he either prevents it judiciously, or breaks it off seasonably by some diversion. Wherein a pleasantness of disposition is of great use, men being willing to sell the interest and engagement of their discourses for no price sooner than that of mirth; whither the nature of man, loving refreshment, gladly betakes itself even to the loss of honour.