Book Description

Dearly Beloved, We are gathered here in the presence of God to join together, this Man And this Woman In Holy Marriage... We find that marriage is instituted of God; that it is regulated by His Commandments; that it is blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ; and that it is to be held in honor among all men. Let us therefore reverently remember that God has established and sanctified marriage for the welfare and happiness of mankind when He, Jesus said, ...Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For 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. Matthew 19:4-6 This marriage service leaves us looking out along a road that leads on to endless joy. There will be hardships along that road, and disappointments. To travel it will require strong disciplines and intelligently worked out ways. Much that is ahead is uncertain, but some things can be depended on as absolutely sure. And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 This bride and groom can set forth with high hearts because they have faith in each other, which is founded on their faith in God. They can face the future full of hope because they know what will bring their marriage its daily comforts and ultimate success. Side by side they can start down across the years held to each other by a love whose source is the heart of God. Into this Holy Estate, this Man and this Woman... You come now to be joined and thus to unite two hearts and lives, blending all interests, sympathies and hopes. We recall the words of Ruth when she said, ...whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God! Ruth 1:16 I charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God, to remember that true love and loyalty alone will avail as the foundation of a happy home. If the solemn vows you are about to make be kept inviolate, and if you steadfastly endeavor to do the will of your Heavenly Father, your lives will be full of joy, and the home you are about to establish will abide in peace. No more human ties are more tender, and no other vows are more sacred than those you are about to assume. Sir... Will you take: this Woman To be your wedded wife and to live together after God's Ordinance in The Holy Estate of Matrimony; will you love, honor, and cherish her in sickness and in health, and be true and loyal to her, as long as you both shall live? Mam... Will you take: this Man To be your wedded husband and to live together after God's Ordinance in The Holy Estate of Matrimony; will you love, honor and cherish him in sickness and in health, and be true and loyal to him, as long as you both shall live? In The name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit. Amen. Let us pray... O Father, our hearts are filled with great happiness on this our wedding day. We come before you at the altar of love, pledging our lives and our hearts to one another. Grant that we may be ever true and loving, as living together in such a way as to never bring shame or heartbreak into our marriage. Temper our hearts with kindness and understanding and rid them of all pretense or jealousy. Help us to be sweetheart, helpmate, friend and guide, and together, may we meet the cares and problems of life more bravely. And as time takes away our youthful charm, may we find contentment in the greater joy of rich companionship. May our home truly be a place of love and harmony where your Holy Spirit is ever present. Bless our wedding day, we pray, and walk beside us, Father, through all our life together. In Thy Beloved Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.