Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 5
March 18, 1954
NUMBER 44, PAGE 13a

Tying It Loose

Ernest A. Finley, Wichita, Kansas

If there is such a thing as "righteous indignation," I think mine has been stirred. It happened during a news broadcast which I saw on television a few days ago. The American public was being honored with the privilege of observing the joining of two celebrities in wedlock. The bride and groom were Rita Hayworth and Dick Haymes.

The thing that caused me to groan inwardly was the wording of the ceremony. I had known that there were many in the movie industry who lightly regarded the marriage union but I did not know that the "knot was tied" in such a way as to make it convenient for them to slip out of the bond. Almost all ceremonies that I have heard contained the expression "till death do you part" or "so long as you both shall live." I had wondered how the "stars" could say "yes" to this vow and then turn right around in a few months or at best a few years and divorce the companion and marry another. But now I know! When the official (I hope earnestly that he did not profess to be a preacher of God's Word) pronounced the vows he asked the bride and groom, "Will you love, honor and cherish her (or him) throughout your married life?" Notice the statement, friends! This is what has me in anguish. He did not say, "so long as you both shall live" or "till death do you part"; he tied it nice and loose. All he asked them to do was to be decent to one another just as long as they lived together. Brother, that's what I call tying it loose!!

Is the foundation of our nation decaying? Brethren, I'm ready to tell you that it is already rotten in spots. Our courts and law-making bodies have made it so easy to get a divorce that our greatest social institution, the home, is crumbling into ruin. If we continue to follow the present trend there is no hope for us. God has set forth the immutable law that men and nations reap what they sow. That being true it is simply a matter of time until we reap the dreadful harvest. God help us to fight courageously the corruption and decay that is ruining our people!