The Voice That Breathed O'er 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

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

Verse 4

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

Verse 5

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

Verse 6

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