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Fundamentals of Christian Education
practice no deception. “Thou shalt not steal” was written by the
finger of God upon the tables of stone; yet how much underhand
stealing of affections is practiced and excused. A deceptive courtship is
maintained, private communications are kept up, until the affections of
one who is inexperienced, and knows not whereunto these things may
grow, are in a measure withdrawn from her parents and placed upon
him who shows by the very course he pursues that he is unworthy of her
love. The Bible condemns every species of dishonesty, and demands
right-doing under all circumstances. He who makes the Bible the guide
of his youth, the light of his path, will obey its teachings in all things.
He will not transgress one jot or tittle of the law in order to accomplish
any object, even if he has to make great sacrifices in consequence. If
he believes the Bible, he knows that the blessing of God will not rest
upon him if he departs from the strict path of rectitude. Although he
may appear for a time to prosper, he will surely reap the fruit of his
doings.
The curse of God rests upon many of the ill-timed, inappropriate
connections that are formed in this age of the world. If the Bible left
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these questions in a vague, uncertain light, then the course that many
youth of today are pursuing in their attachments for one another, would
be more excusable. But the requirements of the Bible are not halfway
injunctions; they demand perfect purity of thought, of word, and of
deed. We are grateful to God that His word is a light to the feet, and
that none need mistake the path of duty. The young should make it a
business to consult its pages and heed its counsels; for sad mistakes
are always made in departing from its precepts.
If there is any subject that should be considered with calm reason
and unimpassioned judgment, it is the subject of marriage. If ever the
Bible is needed as a counselor, it is before taking a step that binds
persons together for life. But the prevailing sentiment is that in this
matter the feelings are to be the guide; and in too many cases lovesick
sentimentalism takes the helm, and guides to certain ruin. It is here
that the youth show less intelligence than on any other subject; it is
here that they refuse to be reasoned with. The question of marriage
seems to have a bewitching power over them. They do not submit
themselves to God. Their senses are enchained, and they move forward
in secretiveness, as if fearful that their plans would be interfered with
by some one.