The Unwise Use of Money and the Spirit of Speculation

Chapter 3—All on Test and Trial

From a Testimony sent to the General Conference, 1897.

In acquiring money, Christians are safe only as they follow God's direction, and use it in channels which He can bless. God permits us to use His goods with an eye single to His glory. He blesses us, that we may bless others. Those who have adopted the world's maxim, and discarded God's specifications, who grasp all they can obtain of wages or goods, are poor, poor indeed, because the frown of God is upon them. Walking in paths of their own choosing, they do dishonor to God, to the truth, to His goodness, His mercy, His character. SpTB17a 5.2

Now, in probationary time, we are all on test and trial. Satan is working with his deceiving enchantments and bribes, and some will think that by their schemes they have made a wonderful speculation. But lo, as they believe that they are rising securely, and are carrying themselves loftily in their selfishness, they learn that God can scatter faster than they can gather. SpTB17a 6.1