The Voice that Breathed Over Eden

Verse 1

The voice that breathed o’er Eden, That earliest wedding day, The primal marriage blessing, It hath not passed away.

Verse 2

Still in the pure espousal Of Christian man and maid, The holy Three are with us, The threefold grace is said,

Verse 3

For dower of blessed children, For love and faith's sweet sake, For high mysterious union Which naught on earth may break.

Verse 4

Be present, awful Father, To give away this bride, As Eve Thou gav’st to Adam Out of his own pierced side:

Verse 5

Be present, Son of Mary, To join their loving hands, As Thou didst bind two natures In Thine eternal hands!

Verse 6

Be present, holiest Spirit, To bless them as they kneel, As Thou, for Christ the Bridegroom, The heavenly Spouse dost seal!

Verse 7

O spread Thy pure wing o’er them, Let no ill power find place, When onward to Thine altar Their hallowed path they trace.

Verse 8

To cast their crowns before Thee In perfect sacrifice, Till to the home of gladness With Christ’s own Bride they rise.

Verse 9

Amen.