(2/27/03)
"Marriage for time and for eternity is the 'straight gate and the narrow way (spoken of in the scriptures) that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it,' but 'broad is the gate, and wide the way that leadeth to the deaths; and many there are that go in thereat.' (Doc. and Cov. 132:22, 25.) If Satan and his hosts can persuade you to take the broad highway of worldly marriage that ends with death, he has defeated you in your opportunity for the highest degree of eternal happiness through marriage and increase throughout eternity. It should now be clear to your reasoning why the Lord declared that in order to obtain the highest degree in the Celestial glory, a person must enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. If he does not, he cannot obtain it." — Harold B. Lee, "Decisions for Successful Living," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1973], p. 127

(2/28/03)
"When the Lord indicated that if one does not enter into this everlasting covenant of marriage he will be 'damned,' he did not mean that one is consigned to eternal burning in a lake of fire and brimstone, as most Christians understand damnation. He simply informed the people that the progress of such an individual is stopped; he cannot have eternal increase and hence he cannot enter into 'my glory.'" — LeGrand Richards, "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1950], p. 189

(3/01/03)
"Eternal life or exaltation grows out of the continuation of the family unit in eternity. Exalted beings-who shall sit with God on his throne and be as he is-shall go to the highest heaven in the celestial world. Such is the sole and only place where the family unit continues. There they will have eternal increase, meaning spirit children in the resurrection forever and ever. Those who go to all lower kingdoms do not and cannot have such an increase." — Bruce R. McConkie, "The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982], p. 707

(3/02/03)
"With a knowledge of the plan of salvation as a foundation, a man who holds the priesthood looks upon marriage as a sacred privilege and obligation. It is not good for man nor for woman to be alone. Man is not complete without woman. Neither can fill the measure of their creation without the other (see 1 Corinthians 11:11; Moses 3:18). Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God (see D&C 49:15-17). Only through the new and everlasting covenant of marriage can they realize the fullness of eternal blessings (see D&C 131:1-4; 132:15-19)." — Howard W. Hunter, "The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter," edited by Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1997], p. 133

(3/03/03)
"Modern revelation sets forth the high destiny of those who are sealed for everlasting companionship. They will be given opportunity for a greater use of their powers. That means progress. They will attain more readily to their place in the presence of the Lord; they will increase more rapidly in every divine power; they will approach more nearly to the likeness of God; they will more completely realize their divine destiny. And this progress is not delayed until life after death. It begins here, today, for those who yield obedience to the law. Life is tasteless without progress. Eternal marriage, with all that it means, provides for unending advancement. 'Eternal increase' is the gift to all who enter into the eternal marriage covenant, as made in the temples of the Lord.