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Counsels for the Church
gious fervor is dampened, and one stronghold after another is broken
down, until both stand side by side under the black banner of Satan.
Even in the festivities of the wedding the spirit of the world triumphs
against conscience, faith, and truth. In the new home the hour of prayer
is not respected. The bride and bridegroom have chosen each other
and dismissed Jesus.
At first the unbelieving one may make no show of opposition in
the new relation; but when the subject of Bible truth is presented for
attention and consideration, the feeling at once arises: “You married
me, knowing that I was what I am; I do not wish to be disturbed. From
henceforth let it be understood that conversation upon your peculiar
views is to be interdicted.” If the believer should manifest any special
earnestness in regard to his faith, it might seem like unkindness toward
the one who has no interest in the Christian experience.
The believing one reasons that in his new relation he must concede
somewhat to the companion of his choice. Social, worldly amusements
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are patronized. At first there is great reluctance of feeling in doing
this, but the interest in the truth becomes less and less, and faith is
exchanged for doubt and unbelief. No one would have suspected that
the once firm, conscientious believer and devoted follower of Christ
could ever become the doubting, vacillating person that he now is. Oh,
the change wrought by that unwise marriage!
It is a dangerous thing to form a worldly alliance. Satan well knows
that the hour that witnesses the marriage of many young men and
women closes the history of their religious experience and usefulness.
They are lost to Christ. They may for a time make an effort to live a
Christian life, but all their strivings are made against a steady influence
in the opposite direction. Once it was a privilege and joy to them to
speak of their faith and hope; but they become unwilling to mention
the subject, knowing that the one with whom they have linked their
destiny takes no interest in it. As the result, faith in the precious truth
dies out of the heart, and Satan insidiously weaves about them a web
of skepticism.
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” “If two of you
shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall
be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.” But how strange
the sight! While one of those so closely united is engaged in devotion,