The Hymnal and Order of Service ‎#530

530. 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, Heavenly 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, Holy 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 lay their hearts before Thee
In perfect sacrifice,
Till to the home of gladness
With Christ's own Bride they rise.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: The voice that breathed o'er Eden
• Title: The Voice That Breathed o'er Eden
• Author: John Keble (1857)
• Meter: 7 6, 7 6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1937
• Topic: Family Life: Marriage

Tune Information

• Name: ST. ALPHEGE
• Composer: Henry John Gauntlett, (1806-1876).
• Meter: 7 6, 7 6.
• Key: G Major