The voice that breathed o’er Eden

That earliest wedding-day

The primal marriage blessing,

It hath not passed away.

Still in the pure espousal

Of Christian man and maid

The Holy Three are with us,

The threefold grace is said.

For dower of blessed children,

For love and faith’s sweet sake,

For high mysterious union

Which nought on earth may break.

Be present, heav’nly Father,

To give away this bride,

As Eve Thou gav’st to Adam

Out of his own pierced side.

Be present, gracious Saviour,

To join their loving hands,

As Thou didst bind two natures

In Thine eternal bands.

Be present, Holy Spirit,

To bless them as they kneel,

As Thou for Christ the Bridegroom

The heav’nly spouse dost seal.

O spread Thy pure wings o’er them!

Let no ill pow’r find place,

When onward through life’s journey

The hallow’d path they trace.

To cast their crowns before Thee,

In perfect sacrifice,

Till to the home of gladness

With Christ’s own bride they rise.