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The Adventist Home
one glass of liquor. Listen not to the proposals of a man who has no
realization of his responsibility to God. The pure truth which sanctifies
the soul will give you courage to cut yourself loose from the most
pleasing acquaintance whom you know does not love and fear God,
and knows nothing of the principles of true righteousness. We may
always bear with a friend’s infirmities and with his ignorance, but
never with his vices
Easier to Make a Mistake Than to Correct It—Marriages that
are impulsive and selfishly planned generally do not result well, but of-
ten turn out miserable failures. Both parties find themselves deceived,
and gladly would they undo that which they did under an infatuation.
It is easier, far easier, to make a mistake in this matter than to correct
the error after it is made
Better to Break Unwise Engagement—Even if an engagement
has been entered into without a full understanding of the character of
the one with whom you intend to unite, do not think that the engage-
ment makes it a positive necessity for you to take upon yourself the
marriage vow and link yourself for life to one whom you cannot love
and respect. Be very careful how you enter into conditional engage-
ments; but better, far better, break the engagement before marriage
than separate afterward, as many do
You may say, “But I have given my promise, and shall I now retract
it?” I answer, If you have made a promise contrary to the Scriptures,
by all means retract it without delay, and in humility before God repent
of the infatuation that led you to make so rash a pledge. Far better
[49]
take back such a promise, in the fear of God, than keep it, and thereby
dishonor your Maker
Let every step toward a marriage alliance be characterized by
modesty, simplicity, sincerity, and an earnest purpose to please and
honor God. Marriage affects the afterlife both in this world and in
the world to come. A sincere Christian will make no plans that God
cannot approve
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15
Letter 51, 1894
.
16
Letter 23, 1886
.
17
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 105
.
18
Testimonies For The Church 5, 365
.
19
The Ministry of Healing, 359
.