Chapter 6—The Great Decision
A Happy or Unhappy Marriage?—If those who are contem-
plating marriage would not have miserable, unhappy reflections after
marriage, they must make it a subject of serious, earnest reflection
now. This step taken unwisely is one of the most effective means of
ruining the usefulness of young men and women. Life becomes a
burden, a curse. No one can so effectually ruin a woman’s happiness
and usefulness, and make life a heartsickening burden, as her own
husband; and no one can do one hundredth part as much to chill the
hopes and aspirations of a man, to paralyze his energies and ruin his
influence and prospects, as his own wife. It is from the marriage hour
that many men and women date their success or failure in this life, and
their hopes of the future life
I wish I could make the youth see and feel their danger, especially
the danger of making unhappy marriages
Marriage is something that will influence and affect your life both
in this world and in the world to come. A sincere Christian will not
advance his plans in this direction without the knowledge that God
approves his course. He will not want to choose for himself, but will
feel that God must choose for him. We are not to please ourselves, for
Christ pleased not Himself. I would not be understood to mean that
anyone is to marry one whom he does not love. This would be sin.
But fancy and the emotional nature must not be allowed to lead on to
ruin. God requires the whole heart, the supreme affections
[44]
Make Haste Slowly—Few have correct views of the marriage
relation. Many seem to think that it is the attainment of perfect bliss;
but if they could know one quarter of the heartaches of men and women
that are bound by the marriage vow in chains that they cannot and
dare not break, they would not be surprised that I trace these lines.
Marriage, in a majority of cases, is a most galling yoke. There are
1
The Review and Herald, February 2, 1886
.
2
Testimonies For The Church 4, 622
.
3
The Review and Herald, September 25, 1888
.
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