He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said,
Matthew 19:4–6For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh.
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Words: William Gaskell, in the Hymn and Tune Book (Boston, Massachusetts: 1868).
Music: Priodas H. Elliot Button, 1889 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Button (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
We join to pray, with wishes kind,
A blessing, Lord, from Thee,
On those who now the bands have twined,
Which ne’er may broken be.
We know that scenes, not always bright,
May unto them be given;
But let there shine o’er all the light
Of love, and truth, and Heaven.
Still hand in hand, their journey through,
Meek pilgrims may they go,
Mingling their joys as helpmeets true,
And sharing every woe.
The Savior, whom they trust, the same;
The same their home above;
May each in each still feed the flame
Of pure and holy love.
And when the solemn hour shall come
Which severs earthly ties,
May hope rise brightening through the gloom,
And point to fairer skies.