Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

one with whom you think to link your life destiny. The step you are about to
take is one of the most important in your life, and should not be taken
hastily. While you may love, do not love blindly.
Examine carefully to see if your married life would be happy or
inharmonious and wretched. Let the questions be raised, Will this union help
me heavenward? Will it increase my love for God? And will it enlarge my
sphere of usefulness in this life? If these reflections present no drawback,
then in the fear of God move forward.
The choice of a life companion should be such as best to secure
physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for parents and for their children--
such as will enable both parents and children to bless their fellow men and to
honor their Creator.
Qualities to Be Sought in a Prospective Wife
Let a young man seek one to stand by his side who is fitted to bear her
share of life's burdens, one whose influence will ennoble and refine him, and
who will make him happy in her love.
"A prudent wife is from the Lord." "The heart of her husband doth safely
trust in her. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." "She
openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of
idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he
praiseth her," saying, "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou
excellest them all." He who gains such a wife "findeth a good thing, and
obtaineth favor of the Lord."
Here are things which should be considered: Will the one you marry
bring happiness to your home? Is [she] an economist, or will she, if married,
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