Ellen White on Speculation

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“The most solemn truths ever entrusted to mortals have been given us to proclaim to the world. The proclamation of these truths is to be our work. The world is to be warned, and God’s people are to be true to the trust committed to them. They are not to engage in speculation, neither are they to enter into business enterprises with unbelievers; for this would hinder them in their God-given work.” {9T 19.2}

 

“I was shown that it is a dangerous experiment for our people to engage in speculation. They thereby place themselves on the enemy’s ground, subject to great temptations, disappointments, trials, and losses. Then comes a feverish unrest, a longing desire to obtain means more rapidly than present circumstances will admit. Their surroundings are accordingly changed, in hope of making more money. But frequently their expectations are not realized, and they become discouraged and go backward rather than forward. This has been the case with some in—. They are backsliding from God.” {CS 237.1}


Note by Ron: Gold and silver trading is a ponzi scheme. Why? Because the price is engineered by the bankers. They regulate the rise and fall of the value to suit their evil purposes relative to inside trading which is possessing fore knowledge as to how best profit from price rigging. Thus, it is gambling to trade in such commodities. Speculation in land and mines is an attempt to serve God and mammon.

 

An acquaintance of mine dealt in quite large amounts of gold and silver and he was prompted by the Holy Spirit to get out of it. He said it was nothing but a ponzi scheme. They are selling gold and silver on paper and if all the folk in the world cashed in their paper assests, they would have nothing because there is not enough gold and silver reserve to honor the contracts sold on paper. When things really do crash, a lot of folk are going to be left holding a piece of worthless paper! God is not in such dishonest dealing.

 

Another acquaintance of mine believes I am impoverishing God’s people by advising them according to the Holy Spirit, to NOT engage in speculation of any kind. This is similar to what the Israelites felt regarding Moses. They thought he had misled them OUT TOO FAR into the wilderness. Some think I am leading God’s people out too far from their mammon interests versus God’s Word on this issue. And this particular acquaintance has solicited funds from God’s people for doing full time labor in the cause.

 

Some scorn the church for the loss of millions in the stock market, but buying gold and silver is just as risky because of how the price is controlled by the bankers. It will be seen within the auspices of this document that this activity is not after the order of God.

 

The world bankers intend to go on a credit/debit system whereby they remove all gold and silver as currency and enforce a system whereby they give one credits for work done, but no currency. When this occurs, gold and silver holders will lose everything for these commodities will be outlawed. End note.

 

Ellen White on Speculation

 

God desires His servants to avoid all speculation. Satan may pave the way by making the first investment successful, but O, how bitter will be the final outcome! If the professing Christian has success in his first speculation, his ruin is almost certain. Visionary schemes are wildly entered into as schemers present promising enterprises, which they declare will pay a large percentage on all money invested. Good men are fascinated and deceived.... {UL 21.3}

 

Instead of entering into speculation, let those who know the truth find some steady, honest employment, in which they can earn their living in a way that glorifies God. Those who encourage the thirst for speculation will extinguish the light that God has given to guide their feet aright. Making money easily, they will spend it unwisely, and their prodigality will be their ruin. To maintain their habits of selfish indulgence, they must continue to make money rapidly. The effort to make money fast enough to meet their extravagant expenses, draws many into the gambling hell.... {UL 21.4}

 

Land and Mining Speculation

 

“The Lord cannot glorify His name through ministers who attempt to serve God and mammon. We are not to urge men to invest in mining stock, or in city lots, holding out the inducement that the money invested will be doubled in a short time. Our message for this time is, “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Luke 12:33, 34.] {GW 341.1}

 

Just before the Israelites entered the land of Canaan, Satan sought to seduce them, and lead them into idolatry, thinking to compass their ruin. He works in the same way in our day. There are young men whom God would accept as workers together with Him, but they have become absorbed in the real-estate craze, and have sold their interest in the truth for the prospect of worldly advantage. {GW 341.2}

 

There are many who hold themselves away from the service of God, because they desire worldly gain; and Satan uses them to lead others astray. The tempter comes to men as he came to Jesus, presenting the glory of the world; and when a measure of success attends their ventures, they become greedy for more gain, lose their love for the truth, and their spirituality dies. The immortal inheritance, the love of Jesus, is eclipsed to their vision by the fleeting prospects of this world. {GW 341.3}

 

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.—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 17a, 6. {CS 237.3}

 

Do not influence members to engage in business speculation—I have been shown of God the sinfulness of the course you have been pursuing. You have engaged in mining and real-estate business, and while an acknowledged minister of the gospel, you have worked upon the minds of your brethren, and have influenced them to invest their means in real estate and in mining shares. You told them the investment would bring large returns; that they would more than treble their money, and could help the cause so much more. You represented that this was a golden opportunity which you did not want them to lose, and urged them to avail themselves of the advantages that God had placed right within their reach. With your powers of exaggeration you represented the matter in such a light that many were deceived, and some lost their money, which should have gone into the cause of God.—Testimonies on the Case of Elder E. P. Daniels, 71 (Ph 96). {PaM 66.2}

 

Unwise Investments

 

[At a time like this, when the spirit of speculation is rife in the world, and some even of the people of God are catching the spirit, and are calling upon others to unite with them in investing means in some great scheme or series of schemes that is said to be sure to bring large returns, thereby enriching the individuals and making it possible for them to give large donations to the cause, it seems appropriate to publish in the Recorder the words of caution and advice on this subject spoken by Sister White to the brethren assembled in camp-meeting at Los Angeles, California, August 15, 1905.] {PUR May 18, 1911, par. 1}

 

A few weeks ago, while I was attending the camp-meeting at San Jose, some of our brethren presented before me what they considered wonderful opportunities to invest means in mining and railroad stock, that would bring large returns. They seemed confident of success, and spoke of the good they would do with the profits they expected to receive. {PUR May 18, 1911, par. 2}

 

Others were present, and seemed interested to see how I would receive their proposition. I told them that such investments were very uncertain. They could not be sure that these enterprises would succeed. I spoke to them of the everlasting reward that is assured to those who lay up their treasures in heaven; but in these uncertain ventures, I begged them, for Christ’s sake, to stop right where they were. {PUR May 18, 1911, par. 3}

 

In the night season I was instructed to tell God’s people that it is not according to His will that those who believe in His near coming should invest their means in mining stock. This would be burying our Lord’s talent in the earth. Much was presented, but I will say only a few words at this time. I will read a copy of a letter I wrote to one of the brethren I have mentioned: San Jose, Cal., July 2, 1905. {PUR May 18, 1911, par. 4}

 

Especially Workers in the Cause of God Should not Speculate

 

“The energies of the minister are all needed for his high calling. His best powers belong to God. He should not engage in speculation or in any other business that would turn him aside from his great work. “No man that warreth,” Paul declared, “entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:4. Thus the apostle emphasized the minister’s need of unreserved consecration to the Master’s service. The minister who is wholly consecrated to God refuses to engage in business that would hinder him from giving himself fully to his sacred calling. He is not striving for earthly honor or riches; his one purpose is to tell others of the Saviour, who gave Himself to bring to human beings the riches of eternal life. His highest desire is not to lay up treasure in this world, but to bring to the attention of the indifferent and the disloyal the realities of eternity. He may be asked to engage in enterprises which promise large worldly gain, but to such temptations he returns the answer, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36. {AA 365.3}

 

“The people of God, who have been blessed with great light in regard to the truth for this time, should not forget that they are to be waiting and watching for the coming of their Lord in the clouds of heaven. Let them not forget that they are to put off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Let no man set up his idols of gold, or silver, or lands, and give the service of his heart to this world, and to its interests. There is a mania for speculating in land, pervading both city and country. The old safe, healthful paths to competence are losing popularity. The idea of accumulating substantial means by the moderate gains of industry and frugality, is an idea that is scorned by many, as no longer suited to this progressive age. {CS 231.1}

 

The desire to engage in speculation, in buying up country and city lots, or anything that promises sudden and exorbitant gains, has reached a fever heat; and mind, and thought, and labor are all directed toward securing all that is possible of the treasures of earth in the shortest possible time. Some of our youth bid fair to be hastened on to ruin, because of this feverish grasping for riches. This desire for gain opens the door of the heart to the temptations of the enemy. And the temptations that come are of such an alluring nature, that there are some who cannot resist them.... {CS 231.2}

 

The Spirit of Gain Getting

 

The spirit of gain getting, of making haste to be rich, of this all-absorbing worldliness, is painfully contradictory to our faith and doctrines. Should the Lord most high be pleased to impart His Holy Spirit, and seek to revive His work, how many would be hungering for the heavenly manna, and thirsting for the waters of life? ... {CS 231.3}

 

I see there is danger of some of our brethren saying, as did the foolish rich man, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” Many are forgetting that they are God’s servants, and are saying, “Tomorrow shall be as this day and much more abundant.” God is looking on your every business transaction. Be on your guard. It is time that deep, earnest thought should be given to laying up treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, not thieves break through and steal.—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 17a, 4, 5 [“The Unwise Use of Money and the Spirit of Speculation”]. {CS 232.1}

 

Some will strike out into flattering speculative money-making schemes, and others will quickly catch the spirit of speculation. It is just what they want, and they will engage in lines of speculation that take the mind off from the sacred preparation that is essential for their souls in order for them to be prepared to meet the trials which will come in these last days. {CS 234.1}

The enemy of souls has his plans carefully laid, and he will try in every possible way to carry them to success. Something after this order, [Reference is here made to a plan for land and mine speculation to be promoted among Seventh-day Adventists, with a large part of the anticipated gains dedicated to the Lord’s work.—Compiler.] a plan that promises to be as gracious and successful as this, has been started a good many times among our people. But when the time came that they expected great success, it proved to be an entire failure. That confused the minds of the people. They had gotten into speculation, and they liked that plan better than hard work and going right on as we have done usually, laboring perseveringly and trusting in the Lord.... {CS 234.2}

 

Note by Ron: There is an important principle involved here (above).

 

Diverting Minds from the Truth

 

Every movement of this order, which comes in to excite the desire to get riches quickly by speculation, takes the minds of the people away from the most solemn truths that ever were given to mortals. There may be encouraging prospects for a time, but the end of the matter is failure. The Lord endorses no such movements. If this work is sanctioned, many would be attracted by these speculative schemes that could not in any other way be led away from the work of presenting the solemn truths that must be given to the people at this time.—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 17, 15-19. {CS 234.3}

 

Chapter 46—The Temptation to Speculate

Satan has destroyed many souls by leading them to place themselves in the way of temptation. He comes to them as he came to Christ, tempting them to love the world. He tells them that they may invest with profit in this or that enterprise, and in good faith they follow his dictation. {CS 236.1}

Soon they are tempted to swerve from their integrity in order to make as good bargains for themselves as possible. Their course may be perfectly lawful, according to the world’s standard of right, and yet not bear the test of the law of God. Their motives are called in question by their brethren, and they are suspected of overreaching to serve themselves, and thus is sacrificed that precious influence which should have been sacredly guarded for the benefit of the cause of God. The business which might be a financial success in the hands of a sharper who will sell his integrity for worldly gain, would be entirely inappropriate for a follower of Christ. {CS 236.2}

All such speculations are attended with unseen trials and difficulties, and are a fearful ordeal for those who engage in them. Circumstances often occur which naturally cause reflections to be cast upon the motives of these brethren; but although some things may look decidedly wrong, these should not always be considered a true test of character. Yet they often prove to be the turning point in one’s experience and destiny. The character becomes transformed by the force of circumstances under which the individual has placed himself. {CS 236.3}

 

A Dangerous Experiment

 

I was shown that it is a dangerous experiment for our people to engage in speculation. They thereby place themselves on the enemy’s ground, subject to great temptations, disappointments, trials, and losses. Then comes a feverish unrest, a longing desire to obtain means more rapidly than present circumstances will admit. Their surroundings are accordingly changed, in hope of making more money. But frequently their expectations are not realized, and they become discouraged and go backward rather than forward. This has been the case with some in—. They are backsliding from God. {CS 237.1}

 

Had the Lord prospered some of our dear brethren in their speculations, it would have proved their eternal ruin. God loves His people, and He loves those who have been unfortunate. If they will learn the lessons which He intends to teach them, their defeat will in the end prove a precious victory. The love of the world has crowded out the love of Christ. When the rubbish is cleared away from the door of the heart, and it is thrown open in response to the invitation of Christ, He will come in and take possession of the soul temple.—Testimonies for the Church 4:616-618. {CS 237.2}

 

Deceiving Enchantments and Bribes

 

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.—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 17a, 6. {CS 237.3}

 

Misleading Prospects

 

Many have conscientiously loaned their money to our institutions, that it may be used to do a good work for the Master. But Satan sets in operation schemes that will produce in the minds of our brethren a great desire to try their fortunes, as in a lottery. One and still another are flattered by strong representations of financial gain if they will only invest their money in lands; and they take their means out of our institutions, and bury it in the earth, where the Lord’s cause is not benefited. {CS 238.1}

 

Then if one is successful, he is so elated over the fact that he has gained a few hundred dollars, that he decides to keep on getting money if he can. He continues to invest in real estate or in mines. The device of Satan is successful; in the place of increased funds flowing into the treasury, there is withdrawal of means from our institutions, in order that the owners may try their fortunes in the mining business or in land speculation. The spirit of greed is fostered, and the naturally penurious man begrudges every dollar that is called for to be used in the advancement of the cause of God in the earth.—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 17a, 8. {CS 238.2}

 

Speculation by Ministers

 

We are nearing the close of time. We want not only to teach present truth in the pulpit, but to live it out of the pulpit. Examine closely the foundation of your hope of salvation. While you stand in the position of a herald of truth, a watchman upon the walls of Zion, you cannot have your interest interwoven with mining or real-estate business, and at the same time do effectually the sacred work committed to your hands. Where the souls of men are at stake, where eternal things are involved, the interest cannot safely be divided. {CS 238.3}

 

This is especially so in your case. While engaged in this business, you have not been cultivating heartfelt piety. You have had a feverish desire to obtain means. You have talked to many about the financial advantages to be gained by investing in lands in—. Again and again you have been engaged in picturing the advantages of these enterprises; and this while you were an ordained minister of Christ, pledged to give your soul, body, and spirit to the work of the salvation of souls. At the same time you were receiving money from the treasury to support yourself and your family. Your talk was calculated to draw the attention and money of our people away from our institutions and from the business of promoting the Redeemer’s kingdom on the earth. Its tendency was to beget in them a desire to invest their means where you assured them that it would be doubled in a short time, and to flatter them with the prospect that they could help the cause a great deal more by so doing.... {CS 239.1}

 

To Avoid Worldly Entanglements

 

Especially should the minister keep himself from every worldly entanglement, and bind himself to the Source of all power, that he may represent correctly what it means to be a Christian. He should cut loose from everything that would in any way divert his mind from God and the great work for this time. Christ expects him, as His employed servant, to be like Himself in mind, in thought, in word, in action. He expects every man who opens the Scriptures to others, to work carefully and intelligently, not exercising his powers unwisely, in a way to injure or overtask them, but so that he may be fitted to do good work for the Lord.—Testimonies for the Church 5:530, 531. {CS 239.2}

 

Speculating in Land Near Our Institutions

 

I was instructed to bear a testimony to our brethren, telling them that they must guard themselves against unfair speculation in connection with the purchase and sale of land near the school property. Every transaction in buying and selling must be characterized by strictest integrity. Selfishness must not be indulged. The principles for which our school shall stand, and which are to be taught the students as part of their education, are to be cultivated and revealed by those who closely connect themselves with the school interest. They must not, by efforts for personal gain, counterwork the principles of Christian education for which this school is to be established. {CS 240.1}

 

Day by day we are making our record for time and for eternity. Let every action be just and square, in selling as in buying. Let nothing of an overreaching character be brought in, for that would discourage our brethren and displease God. Large sacrifices have been made by the people in our churches in order that this property might be secured for our school. Let not those who secure advantages for themselves take unfair advantage of their brethren who may need to settle near the school. Some who have the spirit of speculation should be discouraged from coming to—, because they would not be a blessing to the school, but a hindrance. {CS 240.2}

 

Let us remember that we are standing in review before God, and that every unfair action to serve self is recorded against us in the books of heaven. O, I entreat our brethren to put away the spirit of commercialism. I pray that none may gather about the school whose chief purpose is to advantage self. Let all seek to excel in spiritual things, that the ambitious spirit may be changed to a spirit of unselfishness. This change must be wrought in us if we would be wholly approved of God.—Letter 72, 1909. {CS 240.3}

 

The Lure of Lotteries

 

Then there is some lottery business connected with it, and one young man that goes there, obtains a gold watch. What then? The watch may be genuine gold, it may be no fraud, but ah, there is a fraud back of that, and that is the snare. If he has gained this once, he will want to try it again. Oh, I would rather, if it had been a son of mine, have him lying in his coffin than sporting that gold watch. Then, here are other boys. He shows his watch to them, and then there is an itching with them to try their luck in just the same way, and so they will attempt this matter themselves. Then another will attempt it, and another; and so the influence extends from one to another; and the devil knows just how to play his game.—Manuscript 1, 1890. {CS 241.1}

 

Chapter 47—Unwise Investments

 

A few weeks ago, while I was attending the camp meeting at San Jose [1905], some of our brethren presented before me what they considered wonderful opportunities to invest means in mining and railroad stock, that would bring large returns. They seemed confident of success, and spoke of the good they would do with the profits they expected to receive. {CS 242.1}

Others were present, and seemed interested to see how I would receive their proposition. I told them that such investments were very uncertain. They could not be sure that these enterprises would succeed. I spoke to them of the everlasting reward that is assured to those who lay up their treasures in heaven; but in these uncertain ventures, I begged them, for Christ’s sake, to stop right where they were. {CS 242.2}

 

In the night season I was instructed to tell God’s people that it is not according to His will that those who believe in His near coming should invest their means in mining stock. This would be burying our Lord’s talent in the earth. I will read a copy of a letter I wrote to one of the brethren I have mentioned: {CS 242.3}

“San Jose, California, July 2, 1905.

 

“Dear Brother,

 

“You have presented before me a proposition to invest in mining stock. You feel confident that such an investment would prove successful, and you think that in this way you will be able greatly to help the cause of God. {CS 242.4}

 

“The Lord has given me instruction at the meetings I would attend I would find men encouraging our people to invest their money to work mines. I am bidden to say that this is a device of the enemy to consume or to tie up means that is greatly needed to carry on the work of God. It is a snare of the last days, to involve God’s people in loss of their Lord’s entrusted capital, that should be used wisely in the work of winning souls. Because so much money is invested in these very uncertain enterprises, the work of God is sadly crippled for lack of the talent that will win souls to Christ.... {CS 243.1}

 

“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.’ {CS 243.2}

 

“‘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.’... {CS 243.3}

 

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.’... {CS 243.4}

 

“‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.’ {CS 243.5}

 

“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.” {CS 243.6}

 

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. {CS 244.1}

 

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. {CS 244.2}

 

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. {CS 244.3}

 

I warn you to be careful what you do with your Lord’s goods. By placing it in God’s treasury you may ensure for yourselves a revenue from the inexhaustible treasures of His kingdom. {CS 244.4}

 

The people of God have been too easily satisfied with mere surface truths. We should search diligently for the deep, eternal, far-reaching truths of God’s word. Having found them, we shall joyfully sell all, that we may buy the field.—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 17a, 8-13. {CS 244.5}

 

For Further Study

 

Some Must Learn by Experince to Let Speculative Enterprises Alone, Testimonies for the Church 1:304, 305

A Trap for the Poor, Testimonies for the Church 1:480, 481

 

Many Outgeneraled by Satan, With No Seeming Possibility of Failure, Testimonies for the Church 2:664, 665

Especially Should Ministers Keep Themselves Free, Testimonies for the Church 2:622, 626; The Acts of the Apostles, 366; Gospel Workers, 340-342

 

Speculation Is a Dangerous Experiment, Testimonies for the Church 4:616, 617

 

Speculation and Business Enterprises With Unbelivers a Hindrance, Testimonies for the Church 9:19

 

Land and Mining Speculation, Gospel Workers, 341

 

Aftermath of Regret, Remorse, and Self-Reproach, Testimonies for the Church 1:455

 

Purses of God’s People Drained, Means Transferred to Enemy’s Ranks, Testimonies for the Church 1:551