Chapter 42—Marriage with Unbelievers
Dear Sister L,
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
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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?
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.
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.
The heart yearns for human love, but this love is not strong enough,
or pure enough, or precious enough, to supply the place of the love
of Jesus. Only in her Saviour can the wife find wisdom, strength,
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