Wedding
211
Mrs. White participated in a wedding at her own home—
About 11:00 a.m. Tuesday our large dining room was prepared for
the wedding ceremony. Brother Starr officiated in the service, and
[202]
it passed off nicely. The request was made by Brother Hickox that
Sister White should offer prayer after the marriage ceremony. The
Lord gave me special freedom. My heart was softened and subdued
by the Spirit of God. On this occasion there were no light jests or
foolish sayings. Everything was solemn and sacred in connection with
this marriage. Everything was of an elevating character and deeply
impressive.—
Manuscript Releases 10:196
.
In remarks made at a wedding, Ellen White urged the impor-
tance of blending together—And now I can at this time take by the
hand this our brother; ... and we take by the hand you, his wife, and
urge you to carry on the work of God unitedly. I would say, Make God
your counselor. Blend, blend together.—
The Adventist Home, 102
.
The wedding ceremony is a sacred service, not a time for hi-
larity—It has always seemed so very inappropriate to me to see the
marriage ordinance associated with hilarity and glee and a pretense
of something. No. It is an ordinance ordained of God, to be looked
upon with the greatest solemnity. As the family relation is formed here
below, it is to give a demonstration of what they shall be, the family
in heaven above. The glory of God is ever to be made first.—
The
Adventist Home, 101
.
Weddings should be conducted without display and extrava-
gance—Marriage ceremonies are made matters of display, extrava-
gance, and self-indulgence. But if the contracting parties are agreed
in religious belief and practice, and everything is consistent, and the
ceremony be conducted without display and extravagance, marriage at
this time need not be displeasing to God.—
The Adventist Home, 100
.