The Hymnal Of The Protestant Episcopal Church In The Usa

7.6.7.6

Melchior Vulpius, c.1609

John Keble, 1857

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.

Be present, aweful Father,

To give away this bride,

As Eve thou gav'st to Adam

Out of his own pierced side:

Be present, Son of Mary,

To join their loving hands,

As thou didst bind two natures

In thine eternal bands!

Be present, holiest Spirit,

To bless them as they kneel,

As thou, for Christ the Bridegroom,

The heavenly Spouse dost seal!

O spread thy pure wing o'er them,

Let no ill power find place,

When onward to thine altar

Their hallowed 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.

Amen.