J. B. Greenwood, b. 1828
The Lutheran Hymnary (1913), #535
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 knows no sadness.
Thy presence, Lord, attest.
As once in Eden’s springtime,
A once at Cana’s feast,
So consecrate this bridal—
Be Thou its guest and priest!
With sunshine wreath the altar,
Chase every cloud away,
Nor let their voices falter
Who plight their troth today.
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.
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.
