Chapter 12—Courtship and Marriage
In these days of peril and corruption, the young are exposed to
many trials and temptations. Many are sailing in a dangerous harbor.
They need a pilot; but they scorn to accept the much needed help, feel-
ing that they are competent to guide their own bark, and not realizing
that it is about to strike a hidden rock that may cause them to make
shipwreck of faith and happiness. They are infatuated with the subject
of courtship and marriage, and their principal burden is to have their
own way. In this, the most important period of their lives, they need an
unerring counselor, and infallible guide. This they will find in the word
of God. Unless they are diligent students of that word, they will make
grave mistakes, which will mar their happiness and that of others, both
for the present and the future life.
There is a disposition with many to be impetuous and headstrong.
They have not heeded the wise counsel of the word of God; they have
not battled with self, and obtained precious victories; and their proud,
unbending will has driven them from the path of duty and obedience.
Look back over your past life, young friends, and faithfully consider
your course in the light of God’s word. Have you cherished that
conscientious regard for your obligations to your parents that the Bible
enjoins? Have you treated with kindness and love the mother who has
cared for you from infancy? Have you regarded her wishes, or have
you brought pain and sadness to her heart by carrying out your own
desires and plans? Has the truth you profess sanctified your heart, and
softened and subdued your will? If not, you have close work to do to
make past wrongs right.
The Bible presents a perfect standard of character. This sacred
book, inspired by God, and written by holy men, is a perfect guide
under all circumstances of life. It sets forth distinctly the duties of both
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young and old. If made the guide of life, its teachings will lead the
soul upward. It will elevate the mind, improve the character, and give
peace and joy to the heart. But many of the young have chosen to be
their own counselor and guide, and have taken their cases in their own
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