1 THE voice that breathed o'er Eden!
That earliest wedding-day,
The primal marriage blessing,
It hath not passed away.
2 Still in the pure espousal
Of Christian man and maid,
The Holy Three are with us,
The threefold grace is said,
3 For dower of blessed children,
For love and faith's sweet sake,
For high mysterious union,
Which nought on earth may break.
4 Be present, awful Father,
To give away this bride,
As Eve thou gav'st to Adam
Out of his own pierced side.
5 Be present, gracious Saviour,
To join their loving hands,
As thou didst bind two natures
In thine eternal bands.
6 Be present, Holiest Spirit,
To bless them as they kneel,
As thou for Christ the Bridegroom
The heavenly spouse dost seal.
7 O spread thy pure wings o'er them!
Let no ill power find place,
When onward to thine altar
The hallowed path they trace,
8 To cast their crowns before thee,
In perfect sacrifice,
Till to the home of gladness
With Christ's own bride they rise!