p. 469 | Just for a Photograph by B. M. Grandy

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 4, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 30.

Just for a Photograph

By B. M. Grandy

Merely to Get a Picture — Expensive Buildings Erected for the Purpose — "Wildcat" Speculations and "Wildcat" Religions

By B. M. GRANDY

TWO mining men were sitting on the veranda of a hotel in a decaying mining camp situated on the banks of the sinuous Snake River. Pointing to a large, dilapidated mill a short distance up the mountainside, one questioned the other thus: "Why was that built? Was it for a photograph?"

The men passed out of hearing, and the remainder of the conversation was lost. But what a strange question! Why should any one build such an expensive mill just to photograph?

JUST TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED

In order to induce people to invest money in mining stock, promoters sometimes go to great expense in constructing buildings and installing machinery, that these may be photographed, and the pictures used to embellish attractive and alluring circulars that are sent to prospective investors.

Why was that built? Was it for a photograph?

Sometimes promising ore is in sight, but more than likely only a worthless ledge; but be that as it may, the real purpose of the promoter is to extract money from the public. No investors are barred; and the hoarded pennies of the widow, the hard-earned savings of the artisan, as well as the surplus wealth of the more well-to-do, all go to swell the bank-account of the successful (?) promoter.

"WILDCAT" MINES

In mining parlance, this is known as "wildcatting"; and while not practised so much as formerly, it is still, in some places, carried on successfully.

These dishonest methods practised by mining promoters have caused many investors to shun mines and mining, and look with suspicion upon all mining operations.

Still there are legitimate mining investments; and every year, the rock-seamed earth yields a harvest of precious metals. The wealth of commerce witnesses to the fact that stored in the depths of the earth, the virgin gold lies, waiting for the pick of the miner to bring it to the light of day, to take its place in the marts of the world.

By those who delve beneath the rugged surface of the earth, who seek earnestly and intelligently, the precious treasure is brought forth, and the world's wealth increased.

WILDCAT RELIGIONS

In describing last-day conditions, Jesus said, "For there shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Matt. 24: 24.

And so to-day we find ourselves living in the days of "wildcat" religions. Promoters are springing up almost daily in all parts of the earth, and the cry goes out, "Lo, here is Christ, or there." Books and circulars flood the mails, and enthusiastic agents are peddling stock in every city, village, and country. One after another of these "wildcat" ventures is exploded, but still they come forth. Many persons are led to invest their time, means, and talents in these movements. Disappointed in one, they turn to another; and while each promises great returns, the dividends consist only in blasted hopes. They "shall show great signs and wonders." And for what? — To deceive many — just to photograph.

THE COUNTERFEIT IMPLIES THE GENUINE

Again, many who have talents, means, and a life to save, are led to look upon all religion with distrust, and stifling their craving for the spiritual, they let other fields engage their attention.

But as we behold the wonderful work that true Christianity has done and is doing, we have abundant evidence that, apart from the many delusions, there are still legitimate investments that bring forth rich returns from the mine of truth.

The "wildcat" mining schemes would be impossible but for the well-paying mines. The counterfeit religions are themselves evidence of the existence of the true. And to those who seek earnestly, with a whole heart, "if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasure," there remains the sure reward. Again, "the kingdom of heaven is like unto 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." Matt. 13: 44.

"I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and

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Just for a Photograph

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white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see." Rev. 3: 18.

Our eyes enlightened by the Spirit and the word of God, the wonderful array of man-promoted doctrines that confront us will have no attraction for us, but unerringly will we be led to the mine of truth. It has never failed to pay rich returns in joy, happiness, and peace. Besides, in the bank of heaven our investments are growing, and when the final dividends are declared, our share will be life eternal.

"If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine." John 7: 17.