George Herbert, “Trinitie Sunday” – A Poem for Trinity Sunday

Last Sunday was Trinity Sunday and to reflect on that further, here is George Herbert’s poem for that celebration. George Herbert was a 17th century English clergyman and poet who influenced his peers, including Thomas Traherne and Henry Vaughan, as well as later poets like Emily Dickinson, T. S. Eliot, and Elizabeth Bishop. This poem is taken from Herbert’s revered book of poetry, The Temple.

‘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.