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A Union for Life, September 4
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore
God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Matthew 19:6
.
The marriage vow ... links the destinies of the two individuals with
bonds which nought but the hand of death should sever.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus declared plainly that there could
be no dissolution of the marriage tie, except for unfaithfulness to the mar-
riage vow. “Every one,” He said, “that putteth away his wife, saving for
the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall
marry her when she is put away committeth adultery.”
Matthew 5:32
,
R.V....
Jesus pointed His hearers back to the marriage institution as ordained
at creation.... Then marriage and the Sabbath had their origin, twin
institutions for the glory of God in the benefit of humanity. Then, as the
Creator joined the hands of the holy pair in wedlock, ... He enunciated
the law of marriage for all the children of Adam to the close of time.
That which the Eternal Father Himself had pronounced good was the
law of highest blessing and development for man. Like every other one
of God’s good gifts entrusted to the keeping of humanity, marriage has
been perverted by sin; but it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its
purity and beauty.
Men and women, at the beginning of married life, should reconse-
crate themselves to God....
Where the Spirit of God reigns, there will be no talk of unsuitability
in the marriage relation.
Though difficulties, perplexities, and discouragements may arise, let
neither husband nor wife harbor the thought that their union is a mistake
or a disappointment. Determine to be all that it is possible to be to each
other. Continue the early attentions. In every way encourage each other
in fighting the battles of life. Study to advance the happiness of each
other. Let there be mutual love, mutual forbearance. Then marriage,
instead of being the end of love, will be as it were the very beginning of
love.
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