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The Ministry of Healing
Before assuming the responsibilities involved in marriage, young
men and young women should have such an experience in practical
life as will prepare them for its duties and its burdens. Early mar-
riages are not to be encouraged. A relation so important as marriage
and so far-reaching in its results should not be entered upon hastily,
without sufficient preparation, and before the mental and physical
powers are well developed.
The parties may not have worldly wealth, but they should have
the far greater blessing of health. And in most cases there should
not be a great disparity in age. A neglect of this rule may result in
seriously impairing the health of the younger. And often the children
are robbed of physical and mental strength. They cannot receive
from an aged parent the care and companionship which their young
lives demand, and they may be deprived by death of the father or the
mother at the very time when love and guidance are most needed.
It is only in Christ that a marriage alliance can be safely formed.
Human love should draw its closest bonds from divine love. Only
where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish affection.
Love is a precious gift, which we receive from Jesus. Pure
and holy affection is not a feeling, but a principle. Those who are
actuated by true love are neither unreasonable nor blind. Taught
by the Holy Spirit, they love God supremely, and their neighbor as
themselves.
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also
loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
Ephesians
5:25
.
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Let those who are contemplating marriage weigh every sentiment
and watch every development of character in the one with whom
they think to unite their life destiny. Let every step toward a marriage
alliance be characterized by modesty, simplicity, sincerity, and an
earnest purpose to please and honor God. Marriage affects the
afterlife both in this world and in the world to come. A sincere
Christian will make no plans that God cannot approve.
If you are blessed with God-fearing parents, seek counsel of
them. Open to them your hopes and plans, learn the lessons which
their life experiences have taught, and you will be saved many a