Here is what Ellen White’s books say regarding marriage:
- Marriage is a lifelong union, symbolizing the relationship between Christ and His church. The spirit that Christ shows toward the church is the spirit that husband and wife should show toward each other (
7T 46.3).
- The subject of marriage should be carefully considered, with counsel from experienced individuals and divine guidance sought in prayer, as it binds people together for life (
CE 228.3;
PP 175.4).
- Marriage was designed by Heaven to be a blessing, but it has often been abused. Entering marriage should involve consideration of responsibilities, including the well-being of future children and the influence on society (
SA 104.1).
- The real union in marriage develops over the years; the marriage ceremony is just the beginning (
MH 359.5).
- Understanding the marriage relationship is a lifelong process; those who marry enter a “school” from which they never graduate in this life (
7T 45.2).
- Christ sanctioned marriage by beginning His public ministry at a wedding, recognizing it as a divine institution for the happiness and elevation of humanity (
MH 356.1;
PP 46.3).
- There have been many ill-advised marriages, which is a sign of the last days, similar to the time before the Flood (
4T 515.2).
- Couples should not consider their union a mistake or disappointment, but should work to encourage and love each other, making marriage the beginning of true love (
MH 360.2).
- The marriage relation is used as a symbol of the close relationship between Christ and His church (
4SP 233.2;
MB 64.1).
- Those who view marriage as a sacred ordinance will be guided by reason and feel a solemn responsibility for their children and their influence on the world (
SA 139.1).
- Marriage, like all of God’s gifts, has been perverted by sin, but the gospel aims to restore its purity and beauty (
MB 64.1).
- The family tie is the closest and most sacred on earth, intended to be a blessing when entered into with intelligence, reverence, and responsibility (
MH 356.4).
- Those contemplating marriage should carefully consider character and motives, ensuring every step is taken to please and honor God, as marriage affects life in this world and the next (
MH 359.1).
If you need more specific references or a deeper exploration from other collections, let me know!
References:
- Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 46
- Ellen G. White, Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 228
- Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 175
- Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home (Selections from Social Agencies), p. 104
- Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 356, 359–360, 421–422
- Ellen G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 233
- Ellen G. White, Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 64
- Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 515