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The Adventist Home
humanity. And thus the families of earth, in their unity and peace and
love, may represent the family of heaven.
The condition of society presents a sad comment upon Heaven’s
ideal of this sacred relation. Yet even for those who have found bit-
terness and disappointment where they had hoped for companionship
and joy, the gospel of Christ offers a solace
A Joyous Occasion—The Scriptures state that both Jesus and
His disciples were called to this marriage feast [at Cana]. Christ has
given Christians no sanction to say when invited to a marriage, We
ought not to be present on so joyous an occasion. By attending this
feast Christ taught that He would have us rejoice with those who do
rejoice in the observance of His statutes. He never discouraged the
innocent festivities of mankind when carried on in accordance with
the laws of Heaven. A gathering that Christ honored by His presence,
it is right that His followers should attend. After attending this feast,
Christ attended many others, sanctifying them by His presence and
instruction
Display, Extravagance, and Hilarity Are Inappropriate At
Weddings—Marriage ceremonies are made matters of display, ex-
travagance, and self-indulgence. But if the contracting parties are
agreed in religious belief and practice, and everything is consistent,
and the ceremony be conducted without display and extravagance,
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marriage at this time need not be displeasing to God
There is no reason why we should make great parade or display,
even if the parties were perfectly suited to each other
It has always seemed so very inappropriate to me to see the mar-
riage ordinance associated with hilarity and glee and a pretense of
something. No. It is an ordinance ordained of God, to be looked upon
with the greatest solemnity. As the family relation is formed here
below, it is to give a demonstration of what they shall be, the family in
heaven above. The glory of God is ever to be made first
A Wedding in Mrs. White’s Home—About 11 a.m. Tuesday our
large dining room was prepared for the wedding ceremony. Brother B
4
The Review and Herald, December 10, 1908
.
5
Manuscript 16, 1899
.
6
The Review and Herald, September 25, 1888
.
7
Testimonies For The Church 4, 515
.
8
Manuscript 170, 1905
.