Elopements and Divorces

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 21, 1911

Elopements and Divorces

THAT the divorce evil is a growing menace to society, must be apparent to every observer. Closely connected with this great evil, indeed in many instances the contributing cause, is that of elopement or “runaway matches.” There is a rapidly lessening regard these days for the marriage relation. Speaking of runaway matches, the Christian Advocate of November 2, says:—

Statistics compiled from the records of the District Supreme Court at Washington, D. C., show that forty per cent of all divorces in that city are the result of runaway matches, and that thirty per cent result from marriages where one of the contracting parties was under twenty-one years of age. Eighty per cent of the divorce suits have been filed by women, and less than ten per cent of the couples who seek the courts are parents. There is one divorce suit in the District to every four marriage licenses. It is also a most remarkable fact that less than ten per cent of the couples who seek the courts are parents.

Marriage in these days is often entered into hastily and unadvisedly. The motives are caprice and pleasure rather than love and sober judgment, and yet this is one of the most solemn relationships in our lives. It is one thing to associate with another for a day, a week, or a month, with the full knowledge that the association can be terminated at pleasure. It is quite another thing, however, to link one’s destiny with another by that indissoluble tie. Then whatever comes through the weeks and months and years, the union holds. Such unions should be entered into only after the most serious consideration and prayer, and those who enter into such kind of relationships should carefully determine beforehand whether they are suitable to each other, and if they are taking a step upon which the blessing of Heaven may be expected to rest.