208
Counsels on Stewardship
uncertain enterprises, the work of God is sadly crippled for lack of the
talent that will win souls to Christ....
“Last night in vision, I was raising my voice in warning against
worldly speculations. I said, ‘I invite you to take shares in the greatest
mine that has ever been worked.’
“‘The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hid in a field; the
which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth
and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.’...
“If we will invest in God’s mining stock, the return is sure. He
says, ‘Hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and
let your soul delight itself in fatness.’...
“‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman, seek-
ing goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price,
went and sold all that he had, and bought it.’
“My brother, will you make an investment to secure the heavenly
pearl of great price? ... This is mining stock, in which you may invest
without running a risk of disappointment. But, my dear friend, we
have not a dollar of the Lord’s money to invest in mining enterprises
in this world.”
[244]
I am exceedingly sorry that any of our people have made the
mistake of burying their God-given capital in mining stock, thinking
thereby to increase their revenue. The prospect may seem flattering,
but many will be sadly disappointed.
I recall the case of a brother who was once interested in the work
and cause of God. Some years ago, when I was in Australia, this
brother wrote to me, saying that he had purchased a mine from which
he expected to receive great profits. He said that he would give me a
portion of what he would receive. Occasionally he would write to me,
saying: “Now the prospects are good. Soon we shall receive returns.”
But the returns did not materialize; and after sinking many thousands
of dollars, his ventures proved to be an entire loss.
This is one of many similar cases that have come to my attention.
Many have expressed to me their sorrow that they had ever encouraged
anyone to invest their means in mining stock. If there is one here who
has received money from a brother or sister for any such investment, it
is his duty to return it, if the one who gave it so desires.