Chapter 18—Marital Duties and Privileges
Jesus Did Not Enforce Celibacy—Those who regard the mar-
riage relation as one of God’s sacred ordinances, guarded by His holy
precept, will be controlled by the dictates of reason
Jesus did not enforce celibacy upon any class of men. He came
not to destroy the sacred relationship of marriage, but to exalt it and
restore it to its original sanctity. He looks with pleasure upon the
family relationship where sacred and unselfish love bears sway
Marriage Is Lawful and Holy—There is in itself no sin in eating
and drinking, or in marrying and giving in marriage. It was lawful to
marry in the time of Noah, and it is lawful to marry now, if that which
is lawful is properly treated and not carried to sinful excess. But in
the days of Noah men married without consulting God or seeking His
guidance and counsel....
The fact that all the relations of life are of a transitory nature should
have a modifying influence on all we do and say. In Noah’s day it
was the inordinate, excessive love of that which in itself was lawful,
when properly used, that made marriage sinful before God. There are
many who are losing their souls in this age of the world by becoming
absorbed in the thoughts of marriage and in the marriage relation
itself
The marriage relation is holy, but in this degenerate age it covers
vileness of every description. It is abused and has become a crime
which now constitutes one of the signs of the last days, even as mar-
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riages, managed as they were previous to the Flood, were then a
crime.... When the sacred nature and the claims of marriage are under-
stood, it will even now be approved of Heaven; and the result will be
happiness to both parties, and God will be glorified
1
A Solemn Appeal, 139
.
2
Manuscript 126, 1903
.
3
The Review and Herald, September 25, 1888
.
4
Testimonies For The Church 2, 252
.
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