At a Marriage-Solemnity

1 It is not good, Jehovah said,
For man new formed to be alone;
Then of his rib an helpmeet made,
And man and wife pronounced but one.

2 From near his heart this rib he took,
To show the favor should be prized:
Not from his head to overlook;
Nor from his foot to be despised.

3 Beneath his arm, to signify
Wives should authority disclaim,
And that protection and supply
Are from the husbands due to them.

4 Bless, Lord, this newly married pair,
And make the match a blessing prove;
Their interest one, their joys, their care,
Made happy in each others love.

5 May each to each an helpmeet be,
And bend their necks to Jesu's yoke:
Banded to seek felicity
With Christ's despised little flock.

6 Should olive plants, around their board,
To them the gift of heaven be,
Help them to give them back, dear Lord;
Help them to bring them up for thee.

7 Jesus we ask thy presence here;
O may thy face upon us shine:
Thy goodness more our hearts can cheer
Than costliest food or richest wine.

The Christian's duty, exhibited in a series of hymns, 1791