The Temple. Sacred Poems, And private Ejaculations. By Mr. George Herbert, late Oratour of the University of Cambridge. The seventh Edition, with an Alphabeticall Table for ready finding out chief places. by Herbert, George. (1593-1633), and Christopher Harvey - 1656

Printed: 1647. 1597-1663 Duodecimo, 5.5 x 3.2 inches. Seventh edition. [*]6, A-I12, K6; A-B12, C8. This copy is a little stained on the first and last few leaves, bound in nineteenth century quarter calf. By far the most important labor of these closing years was the completion, revision, and arrangement for the 164 poems (in some 140 different stanzaic patterns) that in 1633 were published as 'The Temple.' Herbert's final disposition of these famous lyrics, as Walton tells the story, was itself a votive gesture. Although long plagued by failing health, he himself had made no plans for publication. At last, as he lay dying he handed them to Edmund Duncon, an associate of Ferrar's at Little Gidding. 'Sir,' he told his visitor, 'I pray deliver this little book to my dear brother Ferrar, and tell him he shall find in it a picture of the many spiritual conflicts that have passed betwixt God and my soul before I could subject mine to the will of Jesus my Master, in whose service I have now found perfect freedom. Desire him to read it; and then, if he can think it may turn to the advantage of any dejected poor soul, let it be made public, if not, let him burn it, for I and it are less than the least of God's mercies.' A few weeks later (1 March 1633) he was dead at thirty-nine." (Baker)