1297 C. M.
John 2:2.
Since Jesus freely did appear
To grace a marriage feast;
Lord, we ask thy presence here
To make a wedding guest.
2 Upon the bridal pair look down,
Who now have plighted hands;
Their union with thy favor crown,
And bless the nuptial bands.
3 With gifts of grace their hearts endow,
Of all rich dowries best;
Their substance bless, and peace bestow
To sweeten all the rest.
4 In purest love their souls unite,
That they, with Christian care,
May make domestic burdens light,
By taking mutual share.
1298 C. M.
Not good for man to be alone.
Gen. 2:18.
Not for the summer hour alone,
When skies resplendent shine,
And youth and pleasure fill the throne,
Our hearts and hands we join.
2 But for those stern and wintry days
Of sorrow, pain, and fear,
When heaven’s wise discipline doth make
Our earthly journey drear.
3 Not for this span of life alone,
Which like a blast doth fly;
And, as the transient flowers of grass,
Just blossom, droop, and die.
4 But for a being without end,
This vow of love we take;
Grant us, O Lord, one home at last,
For thy great mercy’s sake.
1299 7s.
They twain shall be one.
Matt. 19:5.
Father of the human race,
Sanction with thy heavenly grace
What on earth hath now been done,
That these twain be truly one.
2 One in sickness and in health,
One in poverty and wealth,
And as year rolls after year,
Each to other still more dear.
3 One in purpose, one in heart,
Till the mortal stroke shall part;
One in cheerful piety,
One for ever, Lord, with thee.