Chapter 148—True Love
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.
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 after
life both in this world and in the world to come. A sincere Christian
will make no plans that God cannot approve.
Seeking Counsel
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 heartache.
Above all, make Christ your counselor. Study His word with prayer.
Under such guidance let a young woman accept as a life companion
only one who possesses pure, manly traits of character, one who is
diligent, aspiring, and honest, one who loves and fears God. Let a
young man seek one to stand by his side who is fitted to bear her share
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of life’s burdens, one whose influence will ennoble and refine him,
and who will make him happy in her love.
“A prudent wife is from the Lord.” “The heart of her husband doth
safely trust in her.... She will do him good and not evil all the days of
her life.” “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is
the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household,
and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call
her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her,” saying, “Many
daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” He who
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