Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother's
death."
Young people too often feel that selecting a life partner is
something about which they should only consult themselves. They
think they are fully qualified to make their own choice, without the
aid of their parents. A few years of married life usually show them
their error, but too late. The same lack of wisdom and self-control
that dictated the hasty choice makes matters worse, until marriage
becomes a bitter burden. This is the way that many wreck their
happiness in this life and their hope of the life to come.
If ever the Bible was needed as a counselor, if ever divine
guidance should be sought in prayer, it is before taking a step that
binds persons together for life.
Parents should never lose sight of their responsibility for the
future happiness of their children. While Abraham required his
children to respect parental authority, his daily life testified that this
authority was not selfish or arbitrary, but was rooted in love and had
their well-being and happiness in view.
Fathers and mothers should guide the affections of youth so
that they may place those affections on suitable companions. Mold
the character of the children from their earliest years so that they
will be pure and noble, attracted to the good and true. If love for
truth, purity, and goodness is implanted in the soul early, the youth
will seek to be around others who possess these characteristics.
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