Marriage

1044

Marriage

1 DEIGN this union to approve, And confirm it, God of love, Bless Thy servants; on their head Now the oil of gladness shed: In this nuptial bond to Thee Let them consecrated be.

2 In prosperity, be near, To preserve them in Thy fear; In affliction, let Thy smile All the woes of life beguile: And when every change is past, Take them to Thyself at last.

William Bengo Collyer, 1837

1045 A Wedding Hymn

1 SINCE Jesus freely did appear, To grace a marriage feast, O 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 favour crown, And bless their 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.

John Berridge, 1785, a.

1046

Truly One

1 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.

William Bengo Collyer, 1837