Patent Rights by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 16, 1874

Patent Rights.

By A. S. Hutchins

In this age of restlessness and speculation, patent rights do much to keep up the flame of unhealthy excitement. That many modern inventions are highly useful, and that there are men of honor selling rights, cannot be denied, while the facts are open to all that not a few are painfully disappointed in the purchase of rights and territory of not the least value.

It is to be regretted that Sabbath-keepers are sometimes among this class. To be enticed and drawn away to great sacrifices, it may be of the homestead, or one-half or two-thirds of a good farm, or other valuable property, because some one can build an air-castle over our heads, “the words of whose mouth are like a strong wind,” is certainly a pity. We fear some will mourn over such mistakes when too late.

Were we all as anxious to secure a title “to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,” as men are to grasp the treasures of this world, were we as ready to sacrifice for this as the mass are, in hopes of worldly gain, we might “have right to the tree of life, and enter through the gates into the city.”

Sacrifices made now in the right direction, with the right motive, and with the true spirit, will tell not only upon the destiny of souls around us, but greatly upon our own future bliss and happiness. If we can do but little in the cause of God, and do that with the genuine love and faith of the true missionary, this is recorded in Heaven, it will be found set to the account of the faithful, when the divine mandate shall go forth, “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Ps. 50: 5.

When large and attractive inducements are held out to lead us to take stock in uncertain enterprises, and to plunge into worldly speculations, even though others may have amassed their thousands thereby, it seems to me we should do well to bear in mind the testimony of the wise man, “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.” “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.”

To those actuated by other motives, influenced by a love of earthly possessions, the solemn warning comes down from the pen of inspiration, “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” “But thou, O man of God, flee these things.”

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Mt. Morris, May 20, 1874.