Great Decision
29
thousands that are mated but not matched. The books of heaven are
burdened with the woes, the wickedness, and the abuse that lie hidden
under the marriage mantle. This is why I would warn the young who
are of a marriageable age to make haste slowly in the choice of a
companion. The path of married life may appear beautiful and full
of happiness; but why may not you be disappointed as thousands of
others have been
Those who are contemplating marriage should consider what will
be the character and influence of the home they are founding. As
they become parents, a sacred trust is committed to them. Upon them
depends in a great measure the well-being of their children in this
world, and their happiness in the world to come. To a great extent they
determine both the physical and the moral stamp that the little ones
receive. And upon the character of the home depends the condition of
society; the weight of each family’s influence will tell in the upward
or the downward scale
Vital Factors in the Choice—Great care should be taken by Chris-
tian youth in the formation of friendships and in the choice of compan-
ions. Take heed, lest what you now think to be pure gold turns out to be
base metal. Worldly associations tend to place obstructions in the way
of your service to God, and many souls are ruined by unhappy unions,
[45]
either business or matrimonial, with those who can never elevate or
ennoble
Weigh every sentiment, and watch every development of character
in the one with whom you think to link your life destiny. The step you
are about to take is one of the most important in your life, and should
not be taken hastily. While you may love, do not love blindly.
Examine carefully to see if your married life would be happy or
inharmonious and wretched. Let the questions be raised, Will this
union help me heavenward? Will it increase my love for God? And
will it enlarge my sphere of usefulness in this life? If these reflections
present no drawback, then in the fear of God move forward
Most men and women have acted in entering the marriage relation
as though the only question for them to settle was whether they loved
4
The Review and Herald, February 2, 1886
.
5
The Ministry of Healing, 357
.
6
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 500
.
7
Ibid., 104, 105
.