"Two are better than one, because they have a good,
more satisfying reward for their labor;
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls
and has not another to lift him up!
Again, if two lie down together, then they
have warmth; but how can one be warm alone?
And though a man might prevail against him
who is alone, two will withstand him.
A threefold cord is not quickly broken."
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Picture courtesy/The Internet Antique Shop
O perfect Love, all human thoughts transcending,
Lowly we kneel in prayer before Thy throne,
That theirs may be the love which knows no ending,
Whom Thou forevermore dost join in one.
O perfect Life, be Thou their full assurance,
Of tender charity and steadfast faith,
Of patient hope and quiet, brave endurance,
With childlike trust that fears nor pain nor death.
Grant them the joy which brightens earthly sorrow;
Grant them the peace which calms all earthly strife,
And to life's day the glorious unknown morrow
That dawns upon eternal love and life.
Hear us, O Father, gracious and forgiving,
Through Jesus Christ, Thy coeternal Word,
Who, with the Holy Ghost, by all things living
Now and to endless ages art adored.
"O Perfect Love"
(1883)
Dorothy Blomfield Gurney
(1858-1932)
English poetess and hymn writer
The Story Behind The Song
It was a Sunday evening in Windermere, England.
Dorothy Gurney was enjoying a time of hymn singing
with family and friends. A song which was a particular
favorite among the group was called, "O Strength and Stay".
As they finished singing this hymn, Dorothy remembered that
someone in the group said, "What a pity the words of this
beautiful song should be unsuitable for a wedding!"
"My sister turned to me and challenged, "What is the use of
a sister who composes poetry if she cannot write new words
to a favorite tune. I would like to use the tune at my wedding."
At that point, Dorothy picked up a hymn book and replied:
"If no one will disturb me, I will go into the library and
see what I can do." Within 15 minutes Dorothy returned
to the group and read the words she had jotted down.
Dorothy claimed that the words for a new song came almost
effortlessly, after a random thought reminded her of
the twofold aspect of perfect union, love and life.
"I feel that God helped me write this song," she said.
In reference to the above passages from the Book of Ecclesiastes,
much beloved Bible teacher Derek Prince (1915-2003) gave an
illustration of a threefold cord (or a cord of three strands)
based on his conversation with a man who made ropes
for a living. The man explained that the strongest
union made from rope is three strands.
"The largest number of strands that can all touch one another
is three. If you take away one and leave only two, obviously
you weaken the rope...but as long as the third strand holds,
the rope will not break," Derek explained.
When comparing this to Christian marriage, he said: "...there may be
times of strain when both husband and wife begin to weaken and feel
unable to hold out. But God Himself is that third strand, and He holds
on until the strain is eased and both husband and wife can be
restored and healed. So, you see, the third cord, the principle
that intertwines and holds the rope (marriage) together
is covenant. And what is the nature of covenant?
The one who enters into a covenant enters into by death.
"If need be, I will die for you. From now on, your interests
take precedence over my own life. If I have anything you need
but cannot supply, than my supply becomes your supply.
I no longer live for myself; I live for you."
Excerpts above taken from the book,
"The Marriage Covenant"
(1978)
Derek Prince
(1915-2003)
American Bible teacher and author
