Full Idea
Calvin made the much-quoted statement that only when the people, i.e. the mass of labourers and craftsmen, were poor did they remain obedient to God.
Gist of Idea
Only when working people are poor do they remain obedient to God
Source
report of Jean Calvin (works [1549]) by Max Weber - The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism 5
Book Reference
Weber,Max: 'Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism' [Routledge 2001], p.120
A Reaction
This is only one aspect of Christian influence. The alternative is John Wesley's exhortation to work diligently, live modestly, save, invest and get rich. Most people want a comfortable intermediate state, but who proclaims that?