Part IV: Appendix

Chapter 1—Historical Statements

Section 3—Declaration of Faith Issued by the Richmond Conference in 1887

M. Marriage

Marriage is an institution graciously ordained by the Creator Himself for the help and continuance of the human family. It is not a mere civil contract and ought never to be entered upon without a reference to the sanction and blessing of Him who ordained it. It is a solemn engagement for the term of life (Matt. 19:5, 6), designed for the mutual assistance and comfort of both sexes, that they may be helpmates to each other in things temporal and spiritual. To this end it should imply concurrence in spiritual as well as temporal concerns and should be entered upon discreetly, soberly, and in the fear of the Lord.