Note.—This passage indicates that in early Bible times parents generally had more to do in the selection of life companions for their children than they commonly have now. Young people who are wise will seek the advice and counsel of their parents, and above all, will seek to know the will of God, before entering upon this important relationship, with its grave responsibilities and its momentous consequences.
15. For how long does marriage bind the contracting parties?
“For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth.” Rom. 7:2. See 1 Cor. 7:39.
16. What only does Christ recognize as proper ground for dissolving the marriage relationship?
“Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery.” Matt. 19:9.
Note.—Civil laws recognize other reasons as justifiable causes for separation, such as extreme cruelty, habitual drunkenness, or other like gross offenses; but only one offense, according to Christ, warrants the complete annulment of the marriage tie.
There is a bliss beyond all that the minstrel has told,
When two that are linked in one heavenly tie,
With heart never changing and brow never cold,