"What God has joined together, let man not separate." Matthew 19:6
Words: Dorothy Frances Blomfield Gurney, 1883:
It was Sunday evening [at Pull Wyke, Windermere, England] and we were enjoying a time of hymn singing. A song that was particularly enjoyed by all of us was O Strength and Stay, the tune to which was a favorite of my sister. As we finished singing this hymn, someone remarked, 'What a pity the words of this beautiful song should be unsuitable for a wedding!' My sister turned to me and challenged, 'What is the use of a sister who composes poetry if she cannot write new words to a favorite tune? I would like to use the tune at my wedding.' I picked up a hymnbook and said, 'If no one will disturb me, I will go into the library and see what I can do.' Within 15 minutes I was back with the group and reading the words I had jotted down. The writing of the words was no effort whatever after the initial idea came to me of the twofold aspect of perfect union, love and life. I feel that God helped me write this song.
Music: "Perfect Love (Sandringham)," Joseph Barnby, 1890
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"Strength and Stay," John Bacchus Dykes, 1875