Temptation to Speculate
203
discouraged and go backward rather than forward. This has been the
case with some in—. They are backsliding from God.
Had the Lord prospered some of our dear brethren in their specu-
lations, it would have proved their eternal ruin. God loves His people,
and He loves those who have been unfortunate. If they will learn the
lessons which He intends to teach them, their defeat will in the end
prove a precious victory. The love of the world has crowded out the
love of Christ. When the rubbish is cleared away from the door of the
heart, and it is thrown open in response to the invitation of Christ, He
will come in and take possession of the soul temple.—
Testimonies for
the Church 4:616-618
.
Deceiving Enchantments and Bribes
Now, in probationary time, we are all on test and trial. Satan is
working with his deceiving enchantments and bribes, and some will
think that by their schemes they have made a wonderful speculation.
But lo, as they believe that they are rising securely, and are carrying
themselves loftily in their selfishness, they learn that God can scatter
faster than they can gather.—
Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 17a,
6
.
[238]
Misleading Prospects
Many have conscientiously loaned their money to our institutions,
that it may be used to do a good work for the Master. But Satan sets
in operation schemes that will produce in the minds of our brethren a
great desire to try their fortunes, as in a lottery. One and still another
are flattered by strong representations of financial gain if they will
only invest their money in lands; and they take their means out of our
institutions, and bury it in the earth, where the Lord’s cause is not
benefited.
Then if one is successful, he is so elated over the fact that he has
gained a few hundred dollars, that he decides to keep on getting money
if he can. He continues to invest in real estate or in mines. The device
of Satan is successful; in the place of increased funds flowing into
the treasury, there is withdrawal of means from our institutions, in
order that the owners may try their fortunes in the mining business or