The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-06-10
Entering the HOLY Estate.

Dr. Sunderland then said, very solemnly and
distinctly: "Forasmuch as we are assembled
to observe the holy rites OF marriage, 1t is need
full that we should seek the blessing Of the
great God, our Father, whose institution IL is,
and therefore beseech you now to follow me
with reverent hearts in prayer to Him:
Almighty and Everlasting God, the Father OF
spirits, the Trainer Of our bodies, the giver
of every good and perfect gift-Thou who canst
see the end from the beginning, who knowest
what is best for us Thy children, and hast ap-
pointed the holy rite OF marriage To be sacredly
observed throughout all generations, regard now,
we beseech Thee, Thy servant, our Chief Magis-
trate endow him plenteously with Thy grace,
and fill him with wisdom to walk I'm Thy ordi-
nances. Be very nigh TO him in the midst of
many cares and grave responsibilities Day by
day may Thy law direct him and Thy strength
uphold him, and be Thou forever his sun and
shield. BE Thou graciously pleased TO look
down upon this Thy daughter, even as
Thou didst favor the chosen Rebecca
and many noble women that have adorn-
ed the world. May she indeed be a
precious boon OF good to her husband,
to cheer and help him continually woman
gifted with the beauty OF the Lord and she'd
ding the sweet influence OF n Christian life upon
the nation in whose sight she is to dwell. Wilt
thou approve what we Thy servants come to do
in Thy name by thine authority and under the
laws of the land in which we live, and gracious
ly assist them, this man and this woman, who
are here to be united in the bonds OF holy we'd
lock according TO the institution Of Thy words.
Mercifully be pleased, Almighty God, to vouch-
safe 10 each OF them Thy grace that they may
well and truly weigh the unfailing VOWS which
they are now about to make TO each other in
the presence OF this company and before Thee,
and that they may be enabled hereafter at all
times ss TO live together as to rejoice in the
solemnization OF this union with Joy unspeaka-
BILE and full of glory, through Jesus Christ our
Lord Amen"
Turning then to the company, DR.. Sunderland
said: Marriage is honorable among all men in
that n man shall leave his father and mother
and shall cleave unto his wife and they twain
shall be one flesh. It was constituted by our
Creator in tho first paradise. 1t was confessed
by patriarch and priest, prophet and apostle:
1t was confirmed by the teaching and adorned
with the presence OF the Redeemer and has
been honored by the faithful keeping OF all good
men and women since the world began. It is
not therefore to be undertaken lightly or unad-
visedly but soberly, discreetly, and in the fear
OF God. Into thi holy estate this man and this
woman come now to enter. IL any now can show
just cause why they may not be lawfully united
in marriage, let him now speak or else here
after forever hold his peace"
Addressing himself to the bride and groom,
DIR. Sunderland then said IF you desire to be
united in marriage you will signify the same by
joining your right hands.
The bride and groom then joined hands, and
OF the latter DIR. Sunderland asked Grover,
do-you take this woman whom you hold by the
hand TO be your lawful welded wife, to live to-
gether after Gods ordinance in the holy estate
OF wedlock? Do you promise TO love her, cher
ish, comfort, and keep her in sickness and in
health, in Joy and in sorrow, and. forsaking all
others, keep you only unto her so long so you
DOtn SnHll uNcG
The Groom (firmlyl-I do.
Dr. Sunderlgnd-Frank, do you take this
man whom you hold by the hand to be your
lawful welded husband, TO live together after
Gods ordinance in the holy estate OF wedlock
Do you promise to love him, honor, comfort
and keep him in sickness and in health, in JOY
and i'm sorrow, and forsaking all others, keeI
you only unto him so long as you both shall
| live2
The bride answered, in q low but clear voice
| Il do"
Dr. sunderland-In token OF the same let the
wedding ring be passed
Mr.. Cleveland put the plain gold band on the
| brides extended finger, and with increased so
| lemnity Dr. Sunderland said: "Forasmuch a:
| Grover and Frank have here agreed and GOV
| enanted 10 live together after Gods ordinance
ju the holy estate OF wedlock, and have con
! frned the same by giving ana taking O wed
! ding ring; now, therefore, in tho presence o.
| this company, in the name Of the Father, anC
| of the Son, and OF the Holy Ghost, pronounce
and declare that they are husband and wife
! and what God hath joined together lot no mar
put asunder.-
The Rev. DR.. Cleveland then pronounced the
benediction: God the Father, God the Son
| and God the Holy Ghost bless, preserve. anC
keep you, the Lord mercifully fih you with nj
| spiritual blessings and grant that you may
| SO live together in this world that in the world
| To como you may have life everlasting. Amen.