Marriage Hymn

Oh, kindly from thy Mercy Seat,
     Jehovah! condescend to bless
These young and trusting hearts, which beat
     In glad fruition’s happiness.

Be this their union blest of Thee—
     Not for this fleeting life alone;—
Hearts, wedded for eternity,
     Oh seal them, Savior! as thine own.

And may they keep their plighted faith
     Inviolate through coming years;
Loving unchangeably till death,
     The same amid earth’s hopes and fears.

Be Thou their God—their guardian Thou —
     As through Life’s wilderness they roam!
Even as thou hast blest them now,
     Still bless them in the years to come!

And let Thy smile in wo, in weal,
     Be like a sunbeam in their hearts;
So shall it still be theirs to feel
     The joy which holy love imparts.

And when, at last, Life’s sun grows dim,
     And dearest earthly ties are riven,
In death be theirs the victor-hymn!
     And theirs the deathless joys of Heaven!