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Holy Matrimony

381. O Father, all creating

7.6.7.6.D.

Ellacombe:

Wirtemberg, 1784

John Ellerton, 1876

O Father, all creating,

Whose wisdom, love, and power

First bound two lives together

In Eden's primal hour,

Today to these thy children

Thine earliest gifts renew--

A home by thee made happy,

A love by thee kept true.

O Savior, Guest most bounteous

Of old in Galilee,

Vouchsafe today thy presence

With these who call on thee;

Their store of earthly gladness

Transform to heavenly wine,

And teach them, in the tasting,

To know the gift is thine.

O Spirit of the Father,

Breathe on them from above,

So mighty in thy pureness,

So tender in thy love;

That, guarded by thy presence,

From sin and strife kept free,

Their lives may own thy guidance,

Their hearts be ruled by thee.

348

Except thou build it, Father,

The house is built in vain;

Except thou, Savior, bless it,

The joy will turn to pain;

But naught can break the marriage

Of hearts in thee made one,

And love thy Spirit hallows

Is endless love begun.

Amen.

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