Hymn XLV. For a Marriage.
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God is hereby besought to blesse the Marriage solemnized
to all there present; and so to prosper the
Bridegroome, and Bride, in their Desires and
Affections, that the Waters of their Carnall Contentment,
may be turned into the Wine of spirituall Delighis.
Sing this as the former Hymn.
[1]
To grace (ô Lord) a marriage Feast,
(In Cana, long ago)
It pleased thee to be a Guest,
And there, thy pow'r to show.
For, by a Miracle divine,
(When they their Wine had spent)
Thou changedst Water into Wine,
Which did their want prevent.
2
Lord, let the brightnesse of thy Face
Among us now appeare:
So let the Bounties of thy Grace,
Be manifested here;
That neither Bridegroome, Bride, nor Guest,
In body, or in mind,
Of lesse content may be possest,
Then they have hope to find.
3
All Joyes which in a married-life,
Well-matched Couples know.
On this new-wedded Man and Wife,
Vouchsafe thou to bestow.
Fulfill their Hopes, prevent their Feares,
Grant them their just Desires:
Increase that Love, which keeps off Cares,
And warmes with lawfull Fires.
4
To Wine, those hartlesse Waters turn,
Which in their Vessels be;
To give them Comfort when they mourn;
And make them glad in thee.
And though the pleasures of their Love,
Have yet a pleasing tast;
Yet, let them daily sweeter prove,
And best of all, at last.