Chapter 82—Patent Rights
Many of our brethren involve themselves by engaging in new en-
terprises which look flattering; but in a short time they find themselves
disappointed and their means gone, which should have been used to
support their families and advance the cause of present truth. Then
come remorse, regret, and self-reproach; and some conscientious ones
cast away their confidence, and lose their spiritual enjoyment, and in
consequence of mental distress their health also suffers.
Those who believe the truth should practice economy, live upon
plain, wholesome food, always making it a rule to live within their
means. Brethren should never engage in new enterprises without
consulting those of experience who are good managers in temporal
and spiritual matters. By doing this they would save themselves much
perplexity.
Brethren would better be contented with a small income, and han-
dle that little prudently, rather than run risks to better their condition,
and suffer continual losses thereby. Some Sabbathkeepers who have
engaged in the sale of patent rights, have traveled among their brethren
to save expense, and have induced them to invest their means in patent
rights. Such will not be clear before God until they have made up the
loss which these brethren have sustained.
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