How blest the sacred tie that binds,

In sweet communion, kindred minds!

How swift the heavenly course they run,

Whose hearts, whose faith, whose hopes are one!

2 To each the soul of each how dear!

What tender love, what holy fear!

How doth the generous flame within

Refine from earth, and cleanse from sin!

3 Their streaming eyes together flow

For human guilt and mortal woe;

Their ardent prayers together rise

Like mingling flames in sacrifice.

4 Nor shall the glowing flame expire,

When dimly burns frail nature’s fire;

Then shall they meet in realms above,

A heaven of joy, a heaven of love.