Herbert was speaking from experience. In his autobiography, Herbert said he once prayed for and received a divine sign. He had written "De Veritate" and was wondering whether he should publish it. So he got down on his knees and prayed fervently to God for a sign instructing him what to do. Even though it was a clear, sunny day with no wind, Herbert said he heard a gentle noise in the clear sky that so comforted him that he decided it was a sign from God that he should publish his book. Herbert wrote: