p. 35 | JOS. CLARKE by JOS. CLARKE

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 14, 1874

JOS. CLARKE

By JOS. CLARKE

Divorces

Are increasing to an alarming extent. An old resident of this county recently observed to me with much feeling, that divorces were becoming so frequent in Ohio, and were obtained on such frivolous pretexts, and the laws were so favorable to this, that it threatened the loss of all public virtue; and this man was not one who viewed the matter from a prophetic, but rather from a practical stand point.

You will find men who are considered pillars in society who apply for divorce from less than the Scripture reason; and who have long nurtured the intention of divorce, but have only waited for the maturity of children to release themselves from the scolding wife, whose irascible temper has been lacerated to the core by the knowledge of the fact that such an intention existed for a long period of time.

Such a state of things has a tendency to let down the standard and to form in the public mind an idea that marriage is only a civil contract, to be dissolved at any time, either by mutual consent, or by private whim or pretext, whenever a desire to do so should become strong enough to apply to the court for an act of divorce.

What can be more mischievous to the public morals than such a state of things, if for years a man of character may harbor in his mind the thought that the virtuous, laborious mother, whose life has been devoted to the domestic care of his household, and who has been the companion of his choice, may harbor such an intention in his heart, and hold it over the head of the poor victim until she become a very vixen and demoniac. How beautiful the rule laid down by our Lord and Saviour, that only one cause should justify his people for granting authority for divorce.

The family relation is, in fact, when rightfully understood, a reformatory institution, and should be so viewed by its members. How does the husband know what his example and patient fortitude and unwearied love may effect for his impatient wife? Or what may not the patient and meek and gentle wife not effect for the irascible temper of her companion? Or, failing in this, these fruitless, unselfish labors will win bright laurels for the victor when the Judge shall arrange his jewels; for no unselfish act shall lose its reward.

But alas how selfish is the heart that will anticipate such a thing as divorce without just and wholesome reasons, and irrefragable proofs of guilt. Read Malachi 2: 13–17, and take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.