Church Book ‎#505

505. The voice that breathed o'er Eden

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

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

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

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

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

Text Information

• First Line: The voice that breathed o'er Eden
• Author: John Keble (1857)
• Meter: 7, 6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1890
• Topic: The Family: Marriage; Epiphany, Second Sunday
• Notes: Alternate tune: #59 or #203

Tune Information

• Name: CANA
• Meter: 7, 6.
• Key: D Major