Marrying and Giving in Marriage
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counsel upon this subject. I may speak to them the words that God
would have me; but they frequently question every point, and plead
the wisdom of carrying out their own purposes; and eventually they
do so.
They seem to have no power to overcome their own wishes and
inclinations, and will marry at all hazards. They do not consider the
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matter carefully and prayerfully, leaving themselves in the hands of
God, to be guided and controlled by His Spirit. The fear of God does
not seem to be before their eyes. They think they understand the matter
fully, without wisdom from God or counsel from man.
When it is too late, they find that they have made a mistake, and
have imperiled their happiness in this life and the salvation of their
souls. They would not admit that any one knew anything about the
matter but themselves, when if counsel had been received, they might
have saved themselves years of anxiety and sorrow. But advice is
only thrown away on those who are determined to have their own way.
Passion carries such individuals over every barrier that reason and
judgment can interpose.
Characteristics of True Love
Love is a plant of heavenly origin. It is not unreasonable; it is
not blind. It is pure and holy. But the passion of the natural heart is
another thing altogether. While pure love will take God into all its
plans, and will be in perfect harmony with the Spirit of God, passion
will be headstrong, rash, unreasonable, defiant of all restraint, and will
make the object of its choice an idol.
In all the deportment of one who possesses true love, the grace
of God will be shown. Modesty, simplicity, sincerity, morality, and
religion will characterize every step toward an alliance in marriage.
Those who are thus controlled will not be absorbed in each other’s
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society, at a loss of interest in the prayer meeting and the religious
service....
Seeking Divine Guidance
If men and women are in the habit of praying twice a day before
they contemplate marriage, they should pray four times a day when