Basic HTML Version
Chapter 31—Contemplating Marriage
I was pointed back to last May, when the Lord visited-----, and
was shown the case of Brother D. He was not prepared to take part in
that work. His mind and heart were elsewhere. He was contemplating
[226]
marriage and could not listen to the invitation of Jesus: “Come; for
all things are now ready.” His contemplated marriage engrossed
his attention. He had no time or inclination to open the door of
his heart to the gracious Visitor. Had he done this, Christ would
have given him good counsel, which, if heeded, would have been
of priceless value to him. He would have presented before him in
its true light his danger of yielding to the dictates of a wayward
inclination and setting aside the glory of God and the decisions of
sober reason. He would have charged him to beware how he trod
in the footsteps of those who had fallen and been ruined. But this
brother did not consider that God had claims upon him; that he
should make no move without consulting Him who had bought him.
We are instructed that whatever we do, we should do all to His glory.
Did you, Brother D, as a disciple, a learner, of Christ, go to
Him in humble, sincere prayer and commit your ways to him? You
failed to do this. You did not investigate all your motives and move
with carefulness lest you should bring a reproach upon the cause
of Christ, your Redeemer. You did not consider whether this move
would have an effect to increase your spiritual sensibility, quicken
your zeal, and strengthen your steadfastness in the truth and your
efforts to deny self. You were ignorant of your own heart. The work
of God was seen in the church, but you had no longings for the
divine Spirit. The things of heaven were insipid to you. You were
infatuated by your new hopes of uniting your interests with those of
another. You did not consider that a marriage alliance would vitally
affect your interest for life, short though that life must be.
You should have felt that with your own evil heart to subdue you
could not be brought in connection with an influence which would
make it more difficult for you to overcome self, make your path
[227]
204