Chapter 47—Unwise Investments
A few weeks ago, while I was attending the camp meeting at San
Jose [1905], some of our brethren presented before me what they
considered wonderful opportunities to invest means in mining and
railroad stock, that would bring large returns. They seemed confident
of success, and spoke of the good they would do with the profits they
expected to receive.
Others were present, and seemed interested to see how I would
receive their proposition. I told them that such investments were very
uncertain. They could not be sure that these enterprises would succeed.
I spoke to them of the everlasting reward that is assured to those who
lay up their treasures in heaven; but in these uncertain ventures, I
begged them, for Christ’s sake, to stop right where they were.
In the night season I was instructed to tell God’s people that it is
not according to His will that those who believe in His near coming
should invest their means in mining stock. This would be burying our
Lord’s talent in the earth. I will read a copy of a letter I wrote to one
of the brethren I have mentioned:
“San Jose, California,
July 2, 1905.
“Dear Brother,
“You have presented before me a proposition to invest in mining
stock. You feel confident that such an investment would prove suc-
cessful, and you think that in this way you will be able greatly to help
the cause of God.
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“The Lord has given me instruction at the meetings I would attend
I would find men encouraging our people to invest their money to
work mines. I am bidden to say that this is a device of the enemy to
consume or to tie up means that is greatly needed to carry on the work
of God. It is a snare of the last days, to involve God’s people in loss of
their Lord’s entrusted capital, that should be used wisely in the work
of winning souls. Because so much money is invested in these very
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