Since Jesus Freely Did Appear

Since Jesus freely did appear
To grace a marriage feast
O Lord, we ask Thy presence here,
To make a wedding Guest.

Upon the bridal pair look down,
Who now have plighted hands;
Their union with Thy favor crown,
And bless the nuptial bands.

With gifts of grace their hearts endow,
Of all rich dowries blest;
Their substance bless, and peace bestow,
To sweeten all the rest.

In purest love their souls unite,
That they with Christian care,
May make domestic burdens light,
By taking mutual share.

Author: Philip Doddridge

Year: 1755

This is a lesser-known wedding hymn by the English Nonconformist minister and hymn writer Philip Doddridge (1702–1751). It was published posthumously in 1755 in the collection Hymns Founded on Various Texts in the Holy Scriptures. The style, structure, and theological emphasis are characteristic of Doddridge; no other strong attributions exist.