p. 21 | A Wonderful Record

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 24, 1908

A Wonderful Record

According to newspaper reports, the annual sales of one of the largest general merchandise mail-order houses in Chicago amounted to $50,722,839, for the twelve months ending June 30, 1907. For the year ending June 30, 1908, the same firm's total sales show a falling off of nearly ten million dollars. This illustrates to what extent the panic in October, 1907, and the hard times which followed, have affected some mercantile institutions.

But the results are not the same when the reports of the actual sales of books by the Review and Herald Publishing Association of Washington, and its branches in New York City and Battle Creek, Mich., are examined. For the first eight months of 1907 the total retail value of book sales from these houses was $89,945.25. For the same period in 1908 the total sales already reported amount to $158,202.15, and one branch office has not reported. This would undoubtedly bring the total sales up to $165,000, or more than double those for the same months of 1907.

These figures represent the value of books, pamphlets, and tracts actually shipped out, and are not to be confused with the published reports of “orders taken” by our canvassers.

This record has been made because of faithful work on the part of all. Our ministers have been “talking up” the canvassing work; our general missionary agents, our field missionary agents, our church elders, the teachers in our schools, and our people generally have been “talking up” this work, and as a result many persons have enlisted in it, and the Lord has wonderfully blessed their efforts.

In the sale of periodicals there has also been a marked increase this year, but the figures given do not include such sales.

We are unable as yet to state how many students who have earned scholarships during the summer are now enjoying the privileges of one of our denominational schools, but it is safe to say that there are scores of these earnest young people who are doing so. Many others ought to take up this same work this fall, and be ready to enter school at the opening of the winter term. A scholarship can still be earned if one begins without delay.

Many persons ought also to enlist in this work for life. It is a vocation worthy of our best talents, and one which is very fruitful in soul-saving results.

The remaining months of this year offer special inducements to our canvassers, and hundreds more are needed. Any one who is interested should correspond with his tract society secretary or with the conference field missionary agent.

S. N. Curtiss.