SOLEMNIZATION OF At the appointed time the Persons to be married shall come into the Body of the Church, or shall be ready in some proper house, with their friends and neighbours, and there standing together, the Man on the right hand and the Woman on the left, the Minister shall say. Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God and in the face of this Company to join together this Man and this Woman in Holy Matrimony, a Sacrament honoured and esteemed by true men everywhere; inasmuch as on the Sanctity of it depend not only the permanence of Civilization, and the security and sure progress of human Society, but also the personal welfare and happiness of countless multitudes of our race, and therefore must not by any be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. If any man can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace. Then speaking directly to the Persons to be married he shall say. I require and charge you also, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not lawfully be joined together in matrimony, ye do now declare it. For be ye well assured that if any persons are joined together otherwise as God's word doth allow, their marriage is not lawful. Here shall be sung this or some other appropriate Hymn or Anthem. If a Choir be not present the Minister shall read this Hymn. O Perfect Love, all human thought transcending, Lowly we kneel in prayer before Thy Throne, That theirs may be the love which knows no ending Whom Thou for evermore dost join in one. O Perfect Love, be Thou their full assurance Grant them the joy that brightens earthly sor row, Grant them the peace which calms all earthly strife; Grant to their life's day that glorious coming morrow, To fill with light eternal love and life. Amen. |