The plea is sometimes made that the unbeliever is favorable to religion and is all that could be desired in a companion except in one thing—he is not a Christian. Although the better judgment of the believer may suggest the impropriety of a union for life with an unbeliever, yet, in nine cases out of ten, inclination triumphs. Spiritual declension commences the moment the vow is made at the altar; religious fervor is dampened, and one stronghold after another is broken down, until both stand side by side under the black banner of Satan. Even in the festivities of the wedding, the spirit of the world triumphs against conscience, faith, and truth. In the new home the hour of prayer is not respected. The bride and bridegroom have chosen each other and dismissed Jesus. {4T 505.2}

Man påberåber sig undertiden, at den ikke-troende er gunstigt stemt over for religion og er alt, hvad man kunne ønske sig af en livsledsager, undtagen dette ene, at han ikke er en kristen. Selv om det sunde skøn hos den troende kan antyde det upassende i en forening for livstid med en ikke-troende, vil dog tilbøjeligheden sejre i ni tilfælde af ti. Åndelig tilbagegang begynder i det øjeblik, den religiøse iver dæmpes og den ene skranke nedbrydes efter den anden, indtil begge står side om side under Satans sorte banner. Endog under bryllupsfestlighederne sejrer verdens ånd over samvittigheden, troen og sandheden. I det nye hjem bliver bedetimen ikke respekteret. Brud og brudgom har valgt hinanden og sendt Jesus bort.