[Symbols of The Trinity]from The Temple (1633), by George Herbert:

 

¶   Trinitie Sunday.

Lord, who hast form’d me out of mud,
        And hast redeem’d me through thy bloud,
        And sanctifi’d me to do good;

Purge all my sinnes done heretofore:
        For I confesse my heavie score,
        And I will strive to sinne no more.

Enrich my heart, mouth, hands in me,
       With faith, with hope, with charitie;
        That I may runne, rise, rest with thee.


Note: 3 lines in triple rhyme. First stanza (Invocation): first line to the Father, second line to the Son and the third to the Holy Spirit. Second stanza (prayer of confession): past, present and future. Third stanza (prayer of expectation): 33 or 3x3 or 3*3.

Trinity Sunday is celebrated the Sunday after Pentecost, Whitsunday.
The Christian Doctrine of the Trinity states that there is one God in three persons. These three persons are God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit.

On imposed form (sonnets, emblems) or chosen (the number 3 in this poem): To the insane it’s a strait jacket. To the magician it’s entertainment. To Herbert it’s expertise in service, taking what is at hand and creating a morality play of meaning.

Music: William Byrd (1543-1623); English composer, "Gloria Tibi Trinitas"    [Open music in another program.]  for Sr. Barbara.


Destinations
1633 Poem Index George Herbert & The Temple