Series B, No. 17

The year 1911 also witnessed another crisis of rather a local character in which a Seventh-day Adventist given to aggressive speculation was encouraging Seventh-day Adventists to make large investments in mines and irrigation interests. He made his decisions in vital matters by writing “Yes” on one side of a card, and “No” on the other side; he then offered prayer and tossed the card into the air. If, as the card came to rest on the floor, the “yes” side was apparent, large investments might be made up to $100,000. This experience brought to a climax the matter of speculation and the unwise use of money. As a result, the 40 page pamphlet, containing a number of statements which would be helpful to our people, was published as Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 17, entitled, The Unwise Use of Money and the Spirit of Speculation. This was especially helpful in meeting the situation in California involving the one who was investing money so recklessly. The heart of this pamphlet now appears in Counsels on Stewardship, 231-244.STSB 7.3