The book is:  Acres of Diamonds by Russell H. Conwell & His Life and Achievements by Robert Shackelton (Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1915)...

Founder Temple University

Minister

Background
Russell H. Conwell (born February, 15, 1843, Berkshires, Massachusetts)...was a farmer’s boy, worked in his father’s store as a child, helped escaping slaves, was a bright student, sold books door to door, was a school teacher, newspaper correspondent, lawyer, Captain in the Civil War, preacher, author, founded and led Temple University, Samaritan and Garretson Hospitals, a Church, organized what became the first YMCA branch in Minneapolis and more…

Temple University

His Musings on money (from the book)

For a man to have money, even in large sums, is not an inconsistent thing…We preach against covetousness, in the pulpit…until the collection-basket goes around, and then we almost swear at the people because they don’t give more money.  Oh, the inconsistency of such doctrines as that! (p. 20)

Money is power, and you ought to be reasonably ambitious to have it.  You ought because you can do more good with it than you could without it.  Money printed your Bible, money builds your churches, money sends your missionaries, and money pays your preachers, and you would not have many of them, either, if you did not pay them.

(Asked) Don’t you sympathize with the poor people?  Of course I do…but the number of poor who are to be sympathized with is very small...It is all wrong to be poor, anyhow…Love is the grandest thing on God’s earth, but fortunate the lover who has plenty of money.  Money is power, money is force, money will do good as well as harm.  In the hands of good men and women it could accomplish, and it has accomplished, good. (p. 21-22)

It is no help to a young man or woman to inherit money.  It is no help to your children to leave them money, but if you leave them education, if you leave them Christian and noble character, if you leave them a wide circle of friends, if you leave them an honorable name, it is far better than that they should have money...One of the best things in our life is when a young man has earned his own living...(p. 30)

[Note: Rev. Conwell was very generous with his time, talent and funds.  Of his many sermons and presentations, he donated any monies to those in need.]

What do you think of this wisdom from the book coyprighted in 1915?

To discuss your needs, have someone pray with you or for a pressing need contact RevRay.  You can contact him through his website at www.ministriesforyou.com.  Also, feel free to send your prayer request(s) [and a love offering, if so guided by Spirit], by snail mail to: RevRay, PO Box 5295, Scottsdale, AZ   85261.