Page:The church manual (Church of the Brethren 1916).djvu/44

Rh. Established in Eden, it has been perpetuated in successive dispensations, by which God has sought to promote the welfare of the human race. In all history, examples, both positive and negative, have been accumulating to prove that the highest interests of humanity center in the family. It is an institution of most sacred importance, and therefore should be entered into understandingly, having in view all the sacred obligations belonging to it. The minister of the Gospel, in performing the ceremony, should try to impress upon the minds of those entering the marriage relation, the sacredness of the institution and the grave responsibilities that they assume as they enter the new relation.

As a guide, and for the convenience of our ministers, the following forms of the marriage ceremony are submitted:

When the parties present themselves before the minister, he may say:

Marriage is an institution of Divine appointment, sanctioned by Christ and his apostles, and designed to increase human happiness and support social order.

In the Bible, which should be your constant companion, you will find all needed instructions as to your duties toward each other.