Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/423



Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and  this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord  Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and  first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and  Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.

The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort  given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is  God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture  in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently,  deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it  was instituted by God.