Ellen Chat Conversation

Based on the writings of Ellen White, a woman should seek a life companion with the following virtues: ### 1. Strong Moral Character and Integrity A man's character is of utmost importance, valued more highly than wealth or intellect. * He should possess "pure, manly traits of character, one who is diligent, aspiring, and honest." (MH 359.3) * Before marriage, a woman should ask, "What has been his past record? Is his life pure?" (5T 362.1) * True worth is determined by moral character: "It is moral worth. True goodness is accounted of Heaven as true greatness. The condition of the moral affections determines the worth of the man." (2T 305.2) * He should be a man of "truthfulness and honesty," which are described as "sacred treasures." (AY 44.3) ### 2. A Godly and Spiritual Nature His relationship with God is the foundation of his character and actions. * He must be one who "loves and fears God." (MH 359.3) * A sincere Christian "will make no plans that God cannot approve." (MH 359.1) * His piety is demonstrated at home: "It is not so much the religion of the pulpit as the religion of the family that reveals our real character... A good man will be a blessing to his household." (5T 161.1) ### 3. Noble Love and Respect for His Wife The love he expresses should be elevated and unselfish, respecting his wife's individuality. * A woman should question if the love he expresses is "of a noble, elevated character, or is it a mere emotional fondness?" (5T 362.1) * He should not seek to control her: "Do not endeavor to make your wife a slave to your will, but by kindness and an unselfish desire to promote her comfort and happiness draw her into close sympathy with yourself." (4T 130.1) * He must respect her identity and conscience: "Will she be allowed to preserve her individuality, or must her judgment and conscience be surrendered to the control of her husband? As a disciple of Christ, she is not her own... Can she honor the Saviour's claims as supreme?" (5T 362.1) * His influence should be uplifting: He should be one "whose influence will ennoble and refine" his wife and who "will make him happy in her love." (MH 359.3) In summary, Ellen White counsels that a woman should choose a man based on his pure character, his love for God, and his ability to offer a noble, respectful, and unselfish love.