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Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort,
that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which
holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man
can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now
speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace." Izumi nervously glanced around
the room, praying that no one would speak. Satisfied that he had waited long enough,
the old man continued, unhindered.
"John James Johannes, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live
together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her,
comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other,
keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?" John looked into Izumi's
shimmering eyes.
"I will."
The old man turned to Izumi. "Izumi Mizukiyo, wilt thou have this man to thy
wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony?
Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in
health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall
live?" Izumi felt faint, but when she looked into John's eyes, her consciousness
returned.
"I will."
"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" The janitor stepped forward.
"I do."
"Take her right hand," said the old man to John, "and repeat after
me." John carefully held Izumi's hand, feeling her rapid pulse. He gave it a
squeeze, and smiled.
"I, John James Johannes, take thee, Izumi Mizukiyo, to my wedded Wife, to have
and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in
sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according
to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth." John repeated
the words soberly, fully comprehending the promise he was making.
"Take his right hand," said the old man to Izumi, "and repeat after
me." Izumi held John's big hand in hers.
"I, Izumi Mizukiyo, take thee, John James Johannes, to my wedded husband, to
have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer,
in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part,
according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth." Izumi
gazed at John, happily.
"May I have the ring?" the old man asked John. John leaned over, whispering
something in his ear. "It's all right, young man," he said. "I have
a ring here for just such emergencies." The old man procured a gold band from
his pocket. He handed the ring to John. "Place the ring on the fourth finger
of her left hand, and repeat after me." John took Izumi's left hand, and placed
the ring on her finger.
"With this ring, I thee wed: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
"Let us pray. O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of
all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these
thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in Thy Name; that, as Isaac
and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep
the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this ring given and received is a
token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live
according to Thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." |
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