1 Crown with Thy benediction
This covenant of love;
And make this hallowed union
Foretaste of heaven above:
Let pure and perfect gladness,
Let pure and perfect rest,
And peace that know no sadness,
Thy presence, Lord, attest.

2 As once in Eden's springtime,
As once at Cana's feast,
So consecrate this bridal--
Be thou its guest and priest!
With sunshine wreathe the altar,
Chase every cloud away,
Nor let their voices falter
Who plight their troth today.

3 God bless the bride and bridegroom,
And fill with joy their life;
Keep them, through all its changes,
True husband, faithful wife!
If Thou wilt smile upon them,
They shall not need the sun;
This thought their hearts rejoicing--
Henceforth, not twain but one.

4 With Thy great love befriend them,
The love that casts out fear;
And make a rainbow round them
For every falling tear:
Till, all their sheaves well-garnered,
Heaven's harvest home they raise,
Where love, that knows no ending,
Inspires more perfect praise.