THe Countrey Parson owing a debt of Charity to the poor, and of Courtesie to his other parishioners, he so distinguisheth, that he keeps his money for the poor, and his table for those that are above Alms. Not but that the poor are welcome also to his table, whom he sometimes purposely takes home with him, setting them close by him, and carving for them, both for his own humility, and their comfort, who are much cheered with such friendliness. But since both is to be done, the better sort invited, and meaner relieved, he chooseth rather to give the poor money, which they can better employ to their own advantage, and sutably to their needs, then so much given in meat at dinner. Having then invited some of his Parish, hee taketh his times to do the like to the rest; so that in the compasse of the year, hee hath them all with him, because countrey people are very observant of such things, and will not be perswaded, but being not invited, they are hated. Which perswasion the Parson by all means avoyds, knowing that where there are such conceits, there is no room for his doctrine to enter. Yet doth hee oftenest invite those, whom hee sees take best courses, that so both they may be encouraged to persevere, and others spurred to do well, that they may enjoy the like courtesie. For though he desire, that all should live well, and vertuously, not for any reward of his, but for vertues sake; yet that will not be so: and therefore as God, although we should love him onely for his own sake, yet out of his infinite pity hath set forth heaven for a reward to draw men to Piety, and is content, if at least so, they will become good: So the Countrey Parson, who is a diligent observer, and tracker of Gods wayes, sets up as many encouragements to goodnesse as he can, both in honour, and profit, and fame; that he may, if not the best way, yet any way, make his Parish good.

Here Herbert discusses ‘courtesie’, for us in the south he’s discussing hospitality. He says that a distinction is made between the poorer folks in the parish and those with more means, and the poorer should be given cash. (Notice for Herbert this was money from the Parson’s pocket.) While they are certainly to be invited for meals, he makes the point that they should be given money which they can use for what they most need.

The mention of charity is briefly mentioned as he deals with the main point of this chapter, that is hospitality to parishioners. He suggests having every family as guests for a meal during the time of the year. The parson should take care not to slight anyone, otherwise they won’t listen to his teachings.

The other thing I thought interesting was that he suggests inviting folks as a reward for when they have ‘take best courses’ or have lived a particularly virtuous life. Notice that this has more to do with timing than having someone as a guest or not since he has just said everyone should be welcomed through the course of a year. But this made me wonder in what ways I encourage parishioners to piety and charity.

Lot’s of provoking questions from Herbert today: How personally invested in charity are we? How often do we offer hospitality to parishioners, especially the poor? Do we show favoritism?

(Image is Billimun by intimaj)