Credulity and Faith by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1905

Credulity and Faith

By L. A. S.

CONSIDERABLE prominence has been given of late in the papers to the exposure of the Storey-Cotton “get-rich-quick” company, of which nothing now remains above what is left by a burst bubble, save vain regrets on the part of the victims who put into it several millions of their dollars. A recent issue of the Washington Times prints a list of such concerns which have exploded within a few weeks past, together with the amounts which each had succeeded in abstracting from the pockets of the credulous public; and if the list could be made complete for the time these piratical concerns have been flourishing in this country, it would be a long one indeed.

For years past exposures of the character and methods of such companies have been almost constantly before the public, yet they continue to find victims apparently as easily as ever.

A multitude of people are ready to believe the words of men who advertise to return interest at a fabulous rate on money deposited with them, contrary to all sound business rules and experience. This is credulity. These same individuals, if asked to believe the Word of God, which sets before them real riches, would refuse to do so. They would manifest an entire lack of faith, and would illustrate the difference between faith and credulity. Those whose lives are controlled by faith are never found engaging in such doubtful ventures.

The Bible sets before us the true and only way to get rich quick. That way is to exchange the dross of our human sinful natures for the pure gold of the divine nature and the righteousness of faith. This is the “true riches,” which are infinitely more real, more valuable, more free, and more enduring than any riches of earthly origin. L. A. S.