CPWI Hymnal ‎#682

682. O thou who gavest power to love

1 O thou who gavest power to love
that we might fix our hearts on thee,
preparing us for joys above
by that which here on earth we see;

2 thy Spirit trains our souls to know
the growing purpose of thy will,
and gives to love the power to show
that purpose growing larger still:

3 larger, as love to reverent eyes
makes manifest another soul,
and shows to life a richer prize,
a clearer course, a nobler goal.

4 Lord, grant thy servants who implore
thy blessing on the hearts they blend,
that from that union evermore
new joys may blossom to the end.

5 Make what is best in each combine
to purge all earthly dross away,
to strengthen, purify, refine,
to beautify each coming day.

6 So may they hand in hand advance
along life’s path from troubles free;
brave to meet adverse circumstance
because their love points up to thee.

Text Information

• First Line: O thou who gavest power to love
• Author: Mandell Creighton, 1843-1901
• Meter: L.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2010
• Topic: Sacraments and Other Occasions: Holy Matrimony
• Notes: A higher setting of MELCOMBE is found at 5, 557, 835

Tune Information

• Name: MELCOMBE
• Composer: Samuel Webbe, the elder, 1740-1816 (1782)
• Meter: L.M.
• Key: E♭ Major