MH page 357

Those who are contemplating marriage should consider what will be the character and influence of the home they are founding. As they become parents, a sacred trust is committed to them. Upon them depends in a great measure the well-being of their children in this world, and their happiness in the world to come. To a great extent they determine both the physical and the moral stamp that the little ones receive. And upon the character of the home depends the condition of society; the weight of each family's influence will tell in the upward or the downward scale.

Home environment and parental influence shape the physical, moral, and social well-being of children and society. It contains both general counsel on home life and an empirical assertion about parental influence on child development.

The choice of a life companion should be such as best to secure physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for parents and for their children—such as will enable both parents and children to bless their fellow men and to honor their Creator.

Marriage companions should be chosen to promote mutual well-being and honor the Creator. The paragraph offers ethical and practical guidance on selecting a spouse.