Chapter 150—Engagement With Unbelievers
Dear Sister: I have learned of your contemplated marriage with
one who is not united with you in religious faith, and I fear that you
have not carefully weighed this important matter. Before taking a step
which is to exert an influence upon all your future life, I urge you
to give the subject careful and prayerful deliberation. Will this new
relationship prove a source of true happiness? Will it be a help to you
in the Christian life? Will it be pleasing to God? Will your example
be a safe one for others to follow?
Tests of Love
Before giving her hand in marriage, every woman should inquire
whether he with whom she is about to unite her destiny is worthy.
What has been his past record? Is his life pure? Is the love which
he expresses of a noble, elevated character, or is it a mere emotional
fondness? Has he the traits of character that will make her happy? Can
she find true peace and joy in his affection? Will she be allowed to
preserve her individuality, or must her judgment and conscience be
surrendered to the control of her husband? As a disciple of Christ,
she is not her own; she has been bought with a price. Can she honor
the Saviour’s claims as supreme? Will body and soul, thoughts and
purposes, be preserved pure and holy? These questions have a vital
bearing upon the well-being of every woman who enters the marriage
relation.
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Religion is needed in the home. Only this can prevent the grievous
wrongs which so often embitter married life. Only where Christ reigns,
can there be deep, true, unselfish love. Then soul will be knit with
soul, and the two lives will blend in harmony. Angels of God will
be guests in the home, and their holy vigils will hallow the marriage
chamber. Debasing sensuality will be banished. Upward to God will
the thoughts be directed; to Him will the heart’s devotion ascend.
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