Herbert is keen here that as a pastor he should be sincere and upright in all his relationships, especially with those outside his parish. He start with the country/government, which may require some kind of military taxation, for example. He is to be diligent and faithful in obedience.

Likewise, Herbert says that due respect should be given to those in offices of authority within the church, such as diocesan bishops. It is interesting (historically) that he does not require a doctrinal test to be applied to each one first, and that he considers them, at least potentially, as useful wise counsellors for the pastor.

Herbert was very keen to keep on good terms with nearby ministers and neighbouring parishes too. This would not always have been easy…! But it was and is a worthy aim.

CHAPTER 19
The Parson in Reference

The country parson is sincere and upright in all his relations. And first, he is just to his country; as when he is set at an armour or horse, he borrows them not to serve the turn, nor provides slight and un-useful, but such as are every way fitting to do his country true and laudable service, when occasion requires.

To do otherwise, is deceit; and therefore not for him, who is hearty and true in all his ways, as being the servant of him in whom there was no guile. Likewise in any other country-duty, he considers what is the end of any command, and then he suits things faithfully according to that end.

Secondly, he carries himself very respectively, as to all the fathers of the Church, so especially to his diocesan, honouring him both in word and behaviour, and resorting unto him in any difficulty, either in his studies or in his parish. He observes Visitations, and being there, makes due use of them, as of clergy councils, for the benefit of the diocese. And therefore before he comes, having observed some defects in the ministry, he then either in sermon, if he preach, or at some other time of the day, propounds among his brethren what were fitting to be done.

Thirdly, he keeps good correspondence with all the neighbouring pastors round about him, performing for them any ministerial office which is not to the prejudice of his own parish. Likewise he welcomes to his house any minister, how poor or mean soever, with as joyful a countenance as if he were to entertain some great Lord.

Fourthly, he fulfils the duty and debt of neighbourhood to all the parishes which are near him. For the Apostles rule (Philippians 4:8) being admirable and large, that we should do “whatsoever things are honest, or just, or pure, or lovely, or of good report, if there be any virtue, or any praise,” and neighbourhood being ever reputed, even among the heathen, as an obligation to do good, rather than to those that are further, where things are otherwise equal, therefore he satisfies this duty also. Especially, if God have sent any calamity either by fire, or famine, to any neighbouring parish, then he expects no brief; but taking his parish together the next Sunday, or holy-day, and exposing to them the uncertainty of human affairs, none knowing whose turn may be next, and then when he has affrighted them with this, exposing the obligation of charity and neighbourhood, he first gives himself liberally, and then incites them to give; making together a sum either to be sent, or, which were more comfortable, all together choosing some fit day to carry it themselves, and cheer the Afflicted.

So, if any neighbouring village be overburdened with poor, and his own less charged, he finds some way of relieving it, and reducing the manna and bread of Charity to some equality, representing to his people that the blessing of God to them ought to make them the more charitable, and not the less, lest he cast their neighbours poverty on them also.