onger exists; and, indeed, it seems obvious that the
withdrawal of a large number of the most pious and God-fearing of the
population from association with their fellows, and from the duties and
responsibilities of parenthood, must result in the spiritual
impoverishment of the race.

Marriage

The Baha'i teachings enjoin monogamy, and Baha'u'llah makes marriage
conditional on the consent of both parties and of their parents. He says
in the Book of Aqdas:--

Verily in the Book of Bayan (the Bab's Revelation) the matter is
restricted to the consent of both (bride and bridegroom). As We
desired to bring about love and friendship and the unity of the
people, therefore We made it conditional upon the consent of the
parents also, that enmity and ill-feeling might be
avoided.--Kitab-i-Aqdas.

On this point 'Abdu'l-Baha wrote to an inquirer:--"As to the question of
marriage, according to the law of God: First you must select one, and then
it depends on the consent of the father and mother. Before your selection
they have no right of interference."

'Abdu'l-Baha says that as a result of this precaution of Baha'u'llah's the
strained relations between relatives-in-law which have become proverbial
in Christian and Muhammadan countries are almost unknown among the
Baha'is, and divorce is also of very rare occurrence. He writes on the
subject of matrimony:--

Baha'i marriage is union and cordial affection between the two
parties. They must, however, exercise the utmost care and become
acquainted with each other's character. This eternal bond should
be made secure by a firm covenant, and the intention should be to
foster harmony, fellowship and unity and to attain everlasting
life....

In a true Baha'i marriage the two parties must become fully united
both spiritually and physically, so that they may attain eternal
union throughout all the worlds of God, and improve the spiritual
life of each other. This is Baha'i matrimony.

The Baha'i marriage ceremony is very simple, the only requirement being
that the groom and the bride, in the presence of at least two witnesses,
each say: "We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God."

Divorce

In the matter of divorce, as in that of marriage, the instructions of the
Prophets have varied in accordance with the circumstances of the times.
'Abdu'l-Baha states the Baha'i teaching, with regard to