Combining wit, passion, and intellect, John Donne"s poetry forged new paths in British literature. When, at age 38, Donne entered the Anglican priesthood, he directed his passion for women and material goods to his divine lover, Christ. The great metaphysical poet engaged theological controversies, the mysteries of theological doctrine, and a persistent fear of death with the same deep powers of intellect and wit that he had brought to his secular poetry. Readers will recognize in Donne"s religious writings such well-known phrases as "No man is an island" and "Death be not proud." The poems, sermon selections, prayers, and devotions in this volume record the poet"s struggle to reconcile the passions of the flesh with the demands of the spirit, as well as the poet"s exalted love of Christ.