Chapter 45—Grasping for Riches
The people of God, who have been blessed with great light in
regard to the truth for this time, should not forget that they are to
be waiting and watching for the coming of their Lord in the clouds
of heaven. Let them not forget that they are to put off the works of
darkness, and put on the armor of light. Let no man set up his idols of
gold, or silver, or lands, and give the service of his heart to this world,
and to its interests. There is a mania for speculating in land, pervading
both city and country. The old safe, healthful paths to competence are
losing popularity. The idea of accumulating substantial means by the
moderate gains of industry and frugality, is an idea that is scorned by
many, as no longer suited to this progressive age.
The desire to engage in speculation, in buying up country and
city lots, or anything that promises sudden and exorbitant gains, has
reached a fever heat; and mind, and thought, and labor are all directed
toward securing all that is possible of the treasures of earth in the
shortest possible time. Some of our youth bid fair to be hastened on
to ruin, because of this feverish grasping for riches. This desire for
gain opens the door of the heart to the temptations of the enemy. And
the temptations that come are of such an alluring nature, that there are
some who cannot resist them....
The Spirit of Gain Getting
The spirit of gain getting, of making haste to be rich, of this all-
absorbing worldliness, is painfully contradictory to our faith and doc-
[232]
trines. Should the Lord most high be pleased to impart His Holy Spirit,
and seek to revive His work, how many would be hungering for the
heavenly manna, and thirsting for the waters of life? ...
I see there is danger of some of our brethren saying, as did the
foolish rich man, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years;
take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” Many are forgetting that
they are God’s servants, and are saying, “Tomorrow shall be as this
day and much more abundant.” God is looking on your every business
198