Chapter 44—Speculations
I saw that some have excused themselves from aiding the cause
of God because they were in debt. Had they closely examined their
own hearts, they would have discovered that selfishness was the true
reason why they brought no freewill offering to God. Some will always
remain in debt. Because of their covetousness, the prospering hand of
God will not be with them to bless their undertakings. They love this
world better than they love the truth. They are not being fitted up and
made ready for the kingdom of God.
If a new patent passes through the country, men who profess to
believe the truth find a way to raise means to invest in the enterprise.
God is acquainted with every heart. Every selfish motive is known
to Him, and He suffers circumstances to arise to try the hearts of
His professed people, to prove them and develop character. In some
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instances the Lord will suffer men to go on, and meet with an entire
failure. His hand is against them to disappoint their hopes and scatter
what they possess. Those who really feel an interest in the cause of
God, and are willing to venture something for its advancement, will
find it a sure and safe investment. Some will have a hundredfold in
this life, and in the world to come life everlasting. But all will not
receive their hundredfold in this life, because they cannot bear it. If
entrusted with much, they would become unwise stewards. The Lord
withholds it for their good; but their treasure in heaven will be secure.
How much better is such an investment as this!
The desire that some of our brethren possess to earn means fast,
leads them to engage in a new enterprise and invest means, but often
their expectations of making money are not realized. They sink that
which they could have spent in God’s cause. There is an infatuation
in these new enterprises. And notwithstanding these things have been
acted over so many times, and they have before them the example of
others who have made investments and have met with an utter failure,
yet many are slow to learn. Satan allures them on, and makes them
drunk with anticipated gains. When their hopes are blasted, they suffer
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