“Unequally Yoked Together.” 2 Cor. 6: 14.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
ONE of the most honorable and holy institutions that God has ever given man, is marriage. It was instituted by God himself in Eden, and from that day to this, he has sacredly guarded it in his holy word. It is therefore not a matter of small moment nor of little consequence. Generally there is no other step in one's whole life that is so important, so big with results of good or evil, as this one. This step once taken can never be retraced. It is final. Other mistakes may be corrected, but this never. The influence for good or for evil, for happiness or for sorrow, which two souls thus closely united have upon each other is incalculable. All outside influences are small in comparison. They are but for a day or a week, and then pass away; but this is continual. Each must largely partake of the feelings, the interests, the motives, the principles, and the conduct, of the other. Manifestly God designed that this should be so in order that they might work together in harmony. How all-important then that two souls be equally yoked together. If they are “unequally yoked together,” how sad must be the consequences! Let thousands who have tried it bear witness. “Marry in haste, and repent at leisure,” is an old, familiar, and true proverb; yet with it before their eyes, thousands are daily doing that very thing. Why will they not be wise in time? But no; they must all taste and learn for themselves when it is too late. But there are in almost every community or church some who have a special hankering for “match-making.” This seems to be their chief mission in life. They have great discernment, great wisdom, they know just who are adapted to each other; and, withal, they have a special interest in these young persons. They kindle a flame, fan the fire, and lay on the fuel, till they accomplish their object. Then the unhappy victims must bear the consequences of their folly and wrong advice. How persons who fear God dare take such a responsibility is unaccountable. We fear that such will have an undesirable account to settle in the Judgment. Worldly considerations alone are often made the object and basis of marriage. Wealth, ability, position, and worldly prospects, are the motives held out to the young to unite with this or that person; while the fear of God, real affection, and other most vital considerations, are ignored. Unhappiness and life-long regret are the sure and unavoidable results. If property fails, if misfortune comes, there is no consolation. That household is as cold and bleak as the mountains of Greenland. “Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox, and hatred therewith.” Prov. 15: 16, 17. Indeed it needs no inspiration to tell us this. Whoever disregards this counsel, will always and surely do it at the cost of peace and happiness here if not hereafter. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers,” says the Lord. Can we directly and deliberately violate this command and yet expect the blessing of God? But each one seems to think that his case will be an exception; that the one he marries will either embrace the truth soon, or at least not oppose him any. But so far as my observation goes, these hopes are never realized, or at most very seldom. Apostasy from the truth is quite generally the result. Then to the young who are in danger on any of these points we say: 1. Move slowly; don't be in haste. 2. Seek God earnestly till you do have light from him. 3. Do not violate your own judgment and feelings to please others. 4. Don't marry for riches. Nothing is more uncertain. 5. “Only in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 7: 39.