p. 43 | MARRIAGE by Dr. Burns

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 2, 1869

MARRIAGE.

By Dr. Burns

God having planted the social principle in the nature of the first man, provided a helpmeet for him, one who should be his companion, his solace, and closest friend,—one emphatically a part of himself, and endowed with all the tenderest sympathies of his own nature, even in pre-eminent degrees.

The marriage relationship, therefore, is the most intimate that can be formed, and when based on appropriateness of mental and moral choice, and hallowed by fervent affection, is of all others the most conducive to human comfort and enjoyment.

It is a union, however, that requires wisdom and prudence rightly to form; and much kind care and discretion to maintain, in all its close and sacred associations, unimpaired.

How few seem to be acquainted with its true merits and importance. One is enamored with a beautiful face or handsome form, and is utterly indifferent as to the mental or moral qualifications possessed.

Some merely seek a dowry, and are much more wedded to the purse than the person.

And some enter upon it lightly and unadvisedly, as if it were a contract that could be dissolved at will, or broken at pleasure.

This never can be a concern of small import, or of minor moment; it is a life lease of increased good, that nothing else can give; or of protracted grief and sorrow, that the opening grave alone absorbs.

Be wise, then, in this high concern; enter on its paths with care and prudence, and seek, that heavenly wisdom may direct thy steps, and give to thee the richest earthly treasure—a wise, affectionate, and virtuous wife.

And woman, let not thy kind and unsuspecting nature supplant that wise and prudent forethought which thou shouldst with circumspection exercise most rigidly, when thou art moved to enter the marriage circle.

To thee, this step, next to the favor of thy God, is all in all.

From henceforth not thine own, but his whose rule will be kind and congenial to thy gentle nature, or rude and violent, and destructive of all thy peace and joy.

Let no foolish thoughts invade thy mind, that 'tis not honorable to live and die unwedded, and make thee anxious the first presented bait to seize. It were better, beyond all compare, if thou hadst many generations here on earth to live, to be consigned to deepest solitude, than to dwell with one unfitted for the close, endearing kindness, that a happy marriage involves.

The wisest, noblest, and happiest, of thy sex have been those who would not throw their peace and hopes away, where confidence could not be fully placed, or warm affections yielded, with the certainty of full reciprocated return.

Seek counsel, then, before this step for life is taken, and let not prudence throw the reins aside, lest fancy, passion, or misplaced affection, should consign thee to a maze of doubt, and wretchedness, and sorrow.

If Providence doth open clear before thee the path of matrimony, and send thee the one in whom Christian principles, and manly generosity, with sterling sense and unquestionable affection dwell, and he seeks thy hand, then yield it and ask God's blessing on it, and prove thyself a wife indeed deserving of his fullest confidence and love; and peace be ever with thee.—Dr. Burns, in Moore's Western Magazine.