be observed in writing letters also. To conclude: if all men are to bless upon occasion as it says in Rom 12:14, how much more those who are spiritual fathers. (George Herbert, CP, Ch. XXXVI, CWS, p. 111)* The pendulum had swung in Herbert’s time from overestimating to underestimating the role of the pastoral blessing. The pastor whose conversation is willing to settle for routine exchanges and compliments receives its reward. The pastor who finds opportunity to express sincere and heart-felt pastoral