The Signs of the Times, vol. 23

April 8, 1897

“Speculation and Faith” The Signs of the Times, 23, 14.

E. J. Waggoner

Speculation is uncertainty. It is always a risk. A man ventures something, not knowing what the result will be. He thinks that a certain investment will be a safe one, and will yield large returns, but he is not sure. He has no means of being sure. If he could be sure of the result, it would not be speculation. Very often the man who feels the most confident of the good results of his investment is most sorely disappointed. SITI April 8, 1897, page 211.1

This element of uncertainty is that which wears out the speculator, and makes him prematurely old. His nerves are always in tension. He may have all his fortune at stake, and it is impossible for him to rest in perfect ease when he knows that a very little thing may dash it from him in a moment. No wonder that a man in such a condition often finds it impossible to sleep. SITI April 8, 1897, page 211.2

Faith is altogether different from this. Faith knows. It runs no risks. There is no element of uncertainty in it. Christ is the only object of faith, and he is “the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.” He never fails. His power is almighty, and he loses nothing that is intrusted to him; no one can snatch anything from his hands. See John 10:28, 29; 17:12. SITI April 8, 1897, page 211.3

Christ is the “tried stone,” the “precious corner-stone,” the “sure foundation;” and “he that believeth in him shall not be confounded.” His ability to keep is shown in the fact that he upholds all things by the word of his power. Hebrews 4:13. When the Lord would encourage us to put our trust in him, he says, “Lift up your eyes on high, and see who hath created these, that bringeth out their host by number; he calleth them all by name; by the greatness of his might, and for that he is strong in power, not one is lacking.” Isaiah 40:26, R.V. SITI April 8, 1897, page 211.4

So it is as unto “a faithful Creator” that we are to commit the keeping of our souls to him. That which may be known of him, even “his eternal power and Godhead,” is clearly revealed in the things that he has made, so that all have ample opportunity to become acquainted with him. Therefore the language of faith is, “I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have trusted, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12, margin. SITI April 8, 1897, page 211.5

Faith knows nothing of worry. There is no straining of the nerves to the utmost pitch of anxiety, for fear of what may happen in the future. He who knows the Lord would as soon think of worrying lest a comet should strike the earth, or lest the earth should come into collision with some other planet, and thus be wrecked, as to worry lest at some future time the Lord might allow him to fall. His strength is in quietness and confidence. Under the shadow of the Almighty he abides secure, and is not afraid, knowing that nothing present or to come can separate the soul from that “everlasting love.” E. J. W. SITI April 8, 1897, page 211.6