The Church Hymnal ‎#251

251. The voice that breath'd o'er Eden

1 The voice that breath'd over Eden,
That earliest wedding day,
The primal marriage blessing,
It hath not pass'd 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 breath'd o'er Eden
• Author: J. Keble
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1920
• Topic: The Church: Marriage
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: ST. ALPHEGE
• Composer: H. J. Gauntlett
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.
• Key: G Major or modal
• Notes: Now Public Domain.