THE DANGER OF RICHES by Roswell F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 24, 1878

THE DANGER OF RICHES.

By Roswell F. Cottrell

“But 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.” 1 Tim. 6: 9.

The declarations of the Saviour concerning the danger of the rich, that it is even next to impossible that they should ever enter the kingdom of Heaven, are read and assented to by thousands; but who believes them? who fears riches? Wealth used in the right way will harm no one; but the danger is that very few will use it so. The poor will perhaps say, “If I had money, I would show the world how to use it in the cause of God and humanity.” But they do not know what they would do, and cannot, till they have the trial. As wealth increases, it steals the affections. The love of money is never satisfied. It never says, It is enough. And in the ardent pursuit of riches there are snares and temptations to evil. Besides this, foolish and hurtful lusts demand gratification; and how few there are who will practice self denial for the cause of God!

Here are persons who think they are too poor to give anything to the cause. Indeed, they have hard work to get a living, and are rather objects of charity themselves. But still you will see them defiled with tobacco or indulging in foolish and hurtful lusts—some expensive, and not only needless, but injurious, habits. Where do they get their money to pay for these indulgences? Are they willing to deny themselves these for the cause of God? This would not harm them, but be a real advantage to them personally. But if they were only rich, how liberal they would be!

Then here are the young—the youth and children. Of course they have no means! They think it preposterous to ask them for means to aid the cause of God. But the extras in dress and the mere ornaments cost something. How do they contrive to find money for these? And do they never indulge the appetite with candies and ice-cream, and such-like useless and injurious things? Now if the love of God, the cause, and souls for whom Christ died, were uppermost in their heart’s affections, would they not find some way to help in the cause and thus demonstrate their love? Perhaps they earn a little money, or parents or guardians give them something. Do they know that a tenth of it is the Lord’s? Are their minds exercised, first of all, to see how they can use it where it is needed in his cause? Is it not rather the first thing to think how much of vanity and self-indulgence the whole of it will buy, with regret that it will go no further in that direction?

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. But 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. For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Who wishes to pierce himself through with many sorrows? Who would be drowned in destruction, even utter perdition? Who, then, will be warned? Who will cease the strife for wealth? Who will rather serve God with the means intrusted to him, and be content? Is there any danger in riches, and in their pursuit? Why, then, so ardently pursue them? Is godliness with contentment great gain? and is the giving of alms of such things as we possess sure to bring a reward? Then why not “trust in the Lord, and do good”?

R. F. COTTRELL.