When Earth was Dress'd in Beauty

ON MARRIAGE

1. When earth was dress'd in beauty,
       And join'd with heav'n above,
   The Lord took Eve to Adam,
       And taught them how to love.

2. On such a grand occasion,
      As union had begun,
   They held a sweet communion,
      And join'd the twain as one.

3. And bless'd them [at] an altar,
      For chaste and pure desire,
   That no unhallow'd being
      Might offer there "strange fire."

4. Beware of all temptation;
      Be good, be just, be wise,
   Be even as the angels,
      That dwell in Paradise.

5. Go multiply,—replenish,
      And fill the earth with men,
   That all your vast creation,
      May come to God again:—

6. And dwell amid perfection,
      In Zion's wide domains,
   Where union is eternal,
      And Jesus ever reigns.